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Defamation Laws in Oklahoma

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

Short answer: In Oklahoma, a lawsuit for libel or slander must be filed within one year after the cause of action accrues. 12 O.S. § 95(A)(4)

Deadline to sue for defamation (libel and slander)In Oklahoma, a lawsuit for libel or slander must be filed within one year after the cause of action accrues.
Source: 12 O.S. § 95(A)(4)
Retraction (correction) rulesYes, for newspapers and periodicals. If a libel in a newspaper or periodical was published in good faith and its falsity was due to an honest mistake of fact (a jury question), the plaintiff may recover actual damages only unless a retraction was requested and refused. The person must notify the publisher, orally or in writing, of the matter claimed to be libelous and request a retraction; a retraction headed "RETRACTION" in 18-point type or larger, on the same page and in the same type, in two regular issues within two weeks (weekly paper) or one week (daily paper), is full satisfaction of all but actual damages. The rule does not apply to malicious publications, anonymous publications, libel imputing unchastity to a woman, or articles about a candidate published within three weeks of an election.
Source: 12 O.S. § 1446a

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FAQ

How long do you have to sue for defamation in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, a lawsuit for libel or slander must be filed within one year after the cause of action accrues.
Does Oklahoma have a defamation retraction law?
Yes, for newspapers and periodicals. If a libel in a newspaper or periodical was published in good faith and its falsity was due to an honest mistake of fact (a jury question), the plaintiff may recover actual damages only unless a retraction was requested and refused. The person must notify the publisher, orally or in writing, of the matter claimed to be libelous and request a retraction; a retraction headed "RETRACTION" in 18-point type or larger, on the same page and in the same type, in two regular issues within two weeks (weekly paper) or one week (daily paper), is full satisfaction of all but actual damages. The rule does not apply to malicious publications, anonymous publications, libel imputing unchastity to a woman, or articles about a candidate published within three weeks of an election.

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.