Defamation Laws in Kentucky

How long you have to sue for libel or slander in Kentucky, and any retraction rules, from the state code.

Short answer: In Kentucky a lawsuit for libel (written) or slander (spoken) must be filed within 1 year after the claim arises. KRS 413.140(1)(d)

Deadline to sue for defamation (libel and slander)	In Kentucky a lawsuit for libel (written) or slander (spoken) must be filed within 1 year after the claim arises. Source: KRS 413.140(1)(d)
Retraction (correction) rules	Yes, for newspapers, magazines and periodicals. The publisher is liable for actual damages and may point to a correction to reduce them, but punitive damages are available only if the plaintiff proves legal malice and that the publisher failed to print a conspicuous, timely correction after a sufficient written demand. The demand must be signed, identify the false statements and the true facts, and be delivered before the lawsuit is filed; a daily newspaper has 10 business days to correct. Source: KRS 411.051

Deadline to sue for defamation (libel and slander)

In Kentucky a lawsuit for libel (written) or slander (spoken) must be filed within 1 year after the claim arises.

Source: KRS 413.140(1)(d)

Retraction (correction) rules

Yes, for newspapers, magazines and periodicals. The publisher is liable for actual damages and may point to a correction to reduce them, but punitive damages are available only if the plaintiff proves legal malice and that the publisher failed to print a conspicuous, timely correction after a sufficient written demand. The demand must be signed, identify the false statements and the true facts, and be delivered before the lawsuit is filed; a daily newspaper has 10 business days to correct.

Source: KRS 411.051

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FAQ

How long do you have to sue for defamation in Kentucky?

In Kentucky a lawsuit for libel (written) or slander (spoken) must be filed within 1 year after the claim arises.

Does Kentucky have a defamation retraction law?

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.