08/30/2026
Just some interesting information about Wyoming law that everyone should be aware of:
Wyoming recognizes civil claims for libel and slander (defamation).
Making false statements of fact about another person and communicating those statements to others can potentially result in civil liability when the legal requirements for defamation are met.
Wyoming also recognizes defamation per se. This includes certain types of false statements considered particularly serious under the law, including statements that could harm a person's business, trade, profession, or office.
People who engage in legally actionable defamation can be held financially accountable for the harm their false statements cause.
Depending on the facts of a case, that harm can potentially include things such as:
• Damage to someone's reputation
• Embarrassment, humiliation, or loss of respect
• Economic or financial losses
• Loss of employment or business opportunities
• Other damages resulting from the defamatory statements
And in particularly serious cases involving conduct such as malice or willful and wanton misconduct, Wyoming law may also allow punitive damages, which are intended to punish wrongful conduct and deter similar behavior.
Having an opinion about someone is one thing. Spreading false statements of fact that damage someone's reputation, livelihood, career, or business can be something entirely different.
Words can have very real consequences — especially when they interfere with someone's ability to make a living.
