Defamation Laws in Maine

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

Short answer: A lawsuit for slander or libel must be filed within 2 years after the cause of action accrues. The same 2-year deadline applies to both. 14 M.R.S. §753

Deadline to sue for defamation (libel and slander)	A lawsuit for slander or libel must be filed within 2 years after the cause of action accrues. The same 2-year deadline applies to both. Source: 14 M.R.S. §753
Retraction (correction) rules	Maine has a mitigation-of-damages rule for libel. A defendant may reduce damages by proving the charge was made by mistake or error and that, within a reasonable time after publication, the defendant retracted it in writing as publicly and fully as it was made. The defendant may also show the plaintiff did not notify the defendant of the libel in time to lessen the harm. A retraction does not bar the lawsuit; it only reduces damages. Source: 14 M.R.S. §153

Deadline to sue for defamation (libel and slander)

A lawsuit for slander or libel must be filed within 2 years after the cause of action accrues. The same 2-year deadline applies to both.

Source: 14 M.R.S. §753

Retraction (correction) rules

Maine has a mitigation-of-damages rule for libel. A defendant may reduce damages by proving the charge was made by mistake or error and that, within a reasonable time after publication, the defendant retracted it in writing as publicly and fully as it was made. The defendant may also show the plaintiff did not notify the defendant of the libel in time to lessen the harm. A retraction does not bar the lawsuit; it only reduces damages.

Source: 14 M.R.S. §153

More Maine personal injury & wrongful death

FAQ

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

A lawsuit for slander or libel must be filed within 2 years after the cause of action accrues. The same 2-year deadline applies to both.

Does Maine have a defamation retraction law?

Last verified against official sources: October 27, 2026.

How we source this page: each state-specific rule links to the statute, court rule or official government page it comes from. A rule taken from a public copy of a state code (used only where the official code is not freely readable online) is marked as a secondary source. Spot an error? Use the contact page to report it. About our sources

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.