Missouri Defamation Statute of Limitations: Two Years - and the Rules Around It
Libel and slander claims in Missouri must be filed within two years (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.140). Here is when that clock starts, what Missouri treats as defamation per se, and why the state's anti-SLAPP law - narrow for years - becomes much broader on August 28, 2026.
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Reviewed by Leonard Goldberg, Editor · Last updated
The Statute
Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.140 lists libel and slander (alongside injurious falsehood, assault, battery, false imprisonment and malicious prosecution) among claims that must be brought within two years. Missouri annotations note the period runs not necessarily from the moment of the statement but from when damages become ascertainable - a point litigated case by case.
Case Details
Defamation suits are filed in Missouri circuit courts (or federal court in diversity). Missouri's leading modern defamation decision is Nazeri v. Missouri Valley College (Mo. banc 1993), which reshaped the per se/per quod framework; Missouri has no general retraction statute comparable to California's.
Anti-SLAPP: Narrow Until August 27, 2026 - Broad After
What You Must Prove - and Defamation Per Se
A false statement of fact about you, published to a third party, with fault (negligence for private figures; actual malice for public officials/figures), causing damage. Missouri recognizes defamation per se categories where damage is presumed - statute (§ 537.070) expressly covers false imputations of adultery or fornication, and case law adds imputations of crime, loathsome disease and professional misconduct (confirm current contours with counsel).
Damages and Deadlines in Practice
How a Missouri Defamation Claim Moves
- 1
Publication
The statement reaches a third party; preserve evidence immediately.
- 2
Clock Starts
Generally from publication/when damages are ascertainable - two years under § 516.140.
- 3
Demand or Filing
A demand letter may resolve it; otherwise file in circuit court within the window.
- 4
Anti-SLAPP Motion Window
Under the post-August-28-2026 statute, expect an early special motion if the speech concerns a public issue.
- 5
Discovery, Settlement or Trial
Most cases settle; juries decide the rest.
Cautions
Three Missouri-specific pitfalls:
Assuming the clock starts at discovery
Missouri's rule is narrower than a pure discovery rule - do not count on it.
Ignoring the anti-SLAPP change
After August 28, 2026, public-concern speech gets a fast-track dismissal motion with fee exposure.
Suing without preserved proof
Deleted posts are hard to prove; capture first.
Missouri Defamation - FAQ
What is the statute of limitations for defamation in Missouri?
Two years for libel and slander under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.140.
When does the two years start?
Generally at publication; Missouri annotations tie accrual to when damages are ascertainable - a fact question. Treat publication as day one.
Does Missouri have an anti-SLAPP law?
Yes - § 537.528 (narrow, public-proceedings speech) through August 27, 2026, replaced by a broader public-concern statute effective August 28, 2026.
What is defamation per se in Missouri?
Categories where harm is presumed - statute covers false imputations of adultery/fornication; case law adds crime, loathsome disease and professional misconduct.
Is there a retraction statute?
Missouri has no general retraction statute; retraction can still mitigate damages.
Can a public figure sue?
Yes, but must prove actual malice - knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard.
How much are Missouri defamation cases worth?
Highly fact-specific - from nominal to six-figure verdicts; we list only documented outcomes and found none we could fully verify for this page.
Separate from this case: were you injured in the last 2 years?
Class-action payouts are fixed amounts through an administrator. A personal injury claim is a different case — and often worth far more. Free estimate, no obligation.