Defamation Laws in Minnesota

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

Short answer: A lawsuit for libel or slander must be filed within two years. The same two-year deadline applies to both. Minn. Stat. §541.07(1)

Deadline to sue for defamation (libel and slander)	A lawsuit for libel or slander must be filed within two years. The same two-year deadline applies to both. Source: Minn. Stat. §541.07(1)
Retraction (correction) rules	Minnesota has a retraction law for libel published in a newspaper. The plaintiff can recover only special (money-loss) damages unless the plaintiff served the publisher a notice demanding a retraction and the paper did not publish one, headed "RETRACTION" in 18-point type or larger, on the same page and in the same type, within one week. If a proper retraction is published, the plaintiff may still recover general damages unless the publisher shows it acted in good faith under a mistake of fact. Special rules apply to candidates for office, and the law does not apply to a libel imputing unchastity. Source: Minn. Stat. §548.06

Deadline to sue for defamation (libel and slander)

A lawsuit for libel or slander must be filed within two years. The same two-year deadline applies to both.

Source: Minn. Stat. §541.07(1)

Retraction (correction) rules

Minnesota has a retraction law for libel published in a newspaper. The plaintiff can recover only special (money-loss) damages unless the plaintiff served the publisher a notice demanding a retraction and the paper did not publish one, headed "RETRACTION" in 18-point type or larger, on the same page and in the same type, within one week. If a proper retraction is published, the plaintiff may still recover general damages unless the publisher shows it acted in good faith under a mistake of fact. Special rules apply to candidates for office, and the law does not apply to a libel imputing unchastity.

Source: Minn. Stat. §548.06

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FAQ

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

A lawsuit for libel or slander must be filed within two years. The same two-year deadline applies to both.

Does Minnesota 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.