Defamation Statute of Limitations in Arkansas
Last verified 2026-07 · Source: Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105(5) (libel, 3 yr); § 16-56-104(3) (slander, 1 yr) ✓ verified · 3 sources
The deadline
3 years
from Date of publication (libel) or utterance (slander), under Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105(5) (libel, 3 yr); § 16-56-104(3) (slander, 1 yr).
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The deadline to file a defamation lawsuit in Arkansas is 3 years, set by Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105(5) (libel, 3 yr); § 16-56-104(3) (slander, 1 yr). It starts running on Date of publication (libel) or utterance (slander). This page covers the exceptions, the government-claim trap, and the steps to take before time runs out.
Arkansas Deadlines for Related Claims
When the Clock Starts
In Arkansas, the limitations period for defamation and libel claims generally begins on Date of publication (libel) or utterance (slander). Arkansas does not apply a general discovery rule to this claim type — the date of the event controls, which makes early action critical.
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Exceptions That Can Extend the Deadline
- Minors: the clock is generally paused while the injured person is under 18.
- Fraudulent concealment: if the defendant actively hid the wrongdoing, the deadline may be extended until it was or should have been uncovered.
- Defendant leaves the state: absence can pause the clock in many circumstances.
Arkansas has a split limitation period unique among states: written defamation (libel) has a 3-year SOL under § 16-56-105(5) ('All actions for libels'); oral defamation (slander) has a 1-year SOL under § 16-56-104(3) ('All actions for words spoken slandering the character of another'). The 'years' field reflects the libel period. Minor tolling under Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-116. The Arkansas Code is accessed via LexisNexis through the official legislature website at arkleg.state.ar.us.
Source: Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105(5) (libel, 3 yr); § 16-56-104(3) (slander, 1 yr), official Arkansas statute · verified 2026-07
What to Do Before the Deadline Runs
- Pin down your accrual date — the day the clock started — and calendar the deadline conservatively.
- Preserve evidence now: photos, records, witness contacts, bills. Evidence decays faster than deadlines.
- Send preservation/notice letters where required (especially for Arkansas government defendants).
- If the deadline is inside 6 months, treat it as urgent — filing suit is the only reliable way to stop the clock.
How Arkansas Compares to Nearby States
| State | Deadline | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 3 years | Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105(5) (libel, 3 yr); § 16-56-104(3) (slander, 1 yr) |
| Missouri | 2 yrs | Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.140 |
| Tennessee | 1 yr | Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104(a)(1)(A) |
| Mississippi | 1 yr | Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-35 |
| Louisiana | 2 yrs | La. Civ. Code Ann. art. 3493.1 |
| Texas | 1 yr | Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.002 |
| Oklahoma | 1 yr | Okla. Stat. tit. 12, § 95(4) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a defamation lawsuit in Arkansas?
You have 3 years from Date of publication (libel) or utterance (slander), under Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105(5) (libel, 3 yr); § 16-56-104(3) (slander, 1 yr).
Can I still sue after 3 years in Arkansas?
Usually no — courts dismiss claims filed after the statute of limitations expires. Narrow exceptions (tolling for minors, fraudulent concealment) can extend the deadline; whether one applies depends on your facts.
What if the victim was a minor?
Arkansas generally pauses ("tolls") the deadline while the injured person is under 18, giving them time to file after reaching adulthood. Special limits can still apply, so check the statute.
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Sources
- Official Arkansas Law – Arkansas State Legislature (official entry point for Arkansas Code; navigate to Ark. Code Ann. §§ 16-56-104 and 16-56-105)
- Corroborating Arkansas Code § 16-56-105 (2024) – Actions with Limitation of Three Years (Libel) (Justia)
- Corroborating Arkansas Code Title 16 § 16-56-105 – Actions with Limitation of Three Years (FindLaw)
- Verified 2026-07 under our 4-step process — every line checked against the sources above. How we verify
This page is legal information, not legal advice. Deadlines have exceptions that depend on your facts — confirm with a licensed Arkansas attorney.