Reputation Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Reputation, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Reputation?

(n) Reputation is the measure of a persons social status with regards to the society by virtue of his position, honor, reputation, impression etc. Reputation is the criteria used in deciding defamatory suits. Reputation or social stands also render chances of getting benefits of doubts in a trial

History and Meaning of Reputation

Reputation is a concept that dates back to ancient times. In Roman society, for example, reputation was tied to a person's honor and standing. In medieval Europe, reputation was important in the context of chivalry, which placed great emphasis on the virtues of courage, loyalty, and honor. In modern times, reputation has become increasingly important in the business and legal worlds, where it can impact an individual's success or failure.

In the legal context, reputation is often used in cases of defamation. If a person's reputation is damaged by false statements made by another person, they may be able to file a lawsuit for defamation. Additionally, reputation can play a role in criminal trials, where a defendant's standing in the community can be used to argue for or against the severity of the punishment.

Examples of Reputation

  1. A business's reputation can impact its success or failure. If a company has a poor reputation for customer service, for example, it may struggle to attract new customers and retain existing ones.

  2. A politician's reputation can play a role in their ability to get elected. If a politician has a reputation for dishonesty, they may struggle to gain the trust of voters.

  3. A person's reputation on social media can have real-world consequences. Employers and others may look at a person's online presence to determine if they are a good fit for a job or other opportunity.

Legal Terms Similar to Reputation

  1. Libel - A type of defamation that involves a written statement.
  2. Slander - A type of defamation that involves spoken words.
  3. Character defamation - Any statement that damages a person's reputation, whether in writing or speech.