Law on Torts Defamation Defamation is injury to the reputation of a person. If a person injures the reputation of another, he does so at his own risk, as in the case of an interference with the property. A man’s reputation is his property, and if possible, more valuable, than other property ( Dixon v. Holden, 1869 ). s. 499 of the Penal Code- Whoever by words either spoken or by visible representations, makes or publishes any imputation concerning any person intending to harm the reputation of him, except in the cases hereinafter excepted, to defame that person. Ten exceptions- 1. Imputation of truth which public good requires to be made or published- 2. Public conduct of public servants- 3. Conduct of any person touching any public question- 4. Publication of reports of proceedings of Courts- 5. Merits of case decided in Court or conduct of witnesses and others concerned- 6. Merits of public performance- 7. Censure passed in good faith by person ha...