Partner Joe Meadows Authors "The Law of Defamation in Virginia" Published by the Virginia Law Foundation


February 2022

Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani Washington, partner Joe Meadows authored "The Law of Defamation in Virginia (Fifth Edition)” published by the Virginia CLE® , the educational arm of the Virginia Law Foundation. 

The Law of Defamation in Virginia explains the 101 basics of defamation law and discusses up-to-date 201 and higher topics, like internet defamation, third-party republications, anti-SLAPP laws, and John Doe anonymity. This handy deskbook also features a graphic illustration of requirements for and defenses to defamation claims as well as appendices of example actionable fact, defamatory per se, protected opinion, and privileged statements.

Defamation cases are on the rise because of the increase in online speech, which reaches wide audiences and often touches on sensitive topics. The risks of injuring names, brands, and reputations or being accused of doing so have also increased. Yet the principles of defamation law remain the same. Defamation law represents a complicated mix of old common law principles, constitutional doctrines, and statutes. This latest edition of The Law of Defamation in Virginia continues to provide practical guidance on these principles and discusses how Virginia courts have recently interpreted them within the Internet context.

The Law of Defamation in Virginia is a thoughtful and well researched guide that covers the subject in all its complexity.  Specifically designed to help lawyers understand this confusing and state-specific law, this deskbook will help counsel to effectively represent clients involved in defamation cases.

Meadows is an experienced trial attorney, focusing on business disputes, internet defamation, and cyber-attack/privacy matters. He has tried cases before judges and juries, arbitrated commercial disputes, and argued trial and appellate matters in federal and state courts.  He networks with digital forensics investigators and public relations crisis experts. He presents CLE programs on defamation and has been featured as a defamation litigator in articles and on radio shows.

Founded in 1960, Virginia CLE® is the educational arm of the Virginia Law Foundation, which is an independent, IRS 501(c)3 charitable organization. Virginia CLE® is the leading provider of continuing education to the Virginia legal community and has been repeatedly voted the #1 continuing legal education provider by readers of Virginia Lawyers Weekly.

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