Defamation Laws in District of Columbia
How long you have to sue for libel or slander in District of Columbia, and any retraction rules, from the state code.
Short answer: In D.C. you must sue for libel or slander within 1 year. The same one-year limit in the statute also covers assault, battery, malicious prosecution and false arrest. D.C. Code § 12-301(a)(4)
| Deadline to sue for defamation (libel and slander) | In D.C. you must sue for libel or slander within 1 year. The same one-year limit in the statute also covers assault, battery, malicious prosecution and false arrest. Source: D.C. Code § 12-301(a)(4) |
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FAQ
How long do you have to sue for defamation in District of Columbia?
Last verified against official sources: October 27, 2026.
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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.