Scandalum Magnatum Law and Legal Definition
Scandalum Magnatum is a Latin term. In early days, the term was used to refer to the slander of great men.
In early English law, the term was used to designate words spoken in derogation of a peer, a judge, or other great state officials. It referred to actionable slander of powerful people. Such slander was considered a more heinous offense than the slander of a common person. The doctrine of scandalum magnatum, however, has long been obsolete in England, being finally abolished by statute. It is said to be unknown in the U.S.
