Slander Statute Of Limitations in California

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Published July 14, 2026 • By DocketMath Team

Verified · 67 primary sources

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Quoted from the source law itself. Not legal advice; confirm how it applies to your matter.

Current verified answer

California statute-of-limitations: period is 3; period is 3.

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Authority and key facts

Citation: Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1

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Verified April 23, 2026

  • Period: 3
  • Period: 3
  • Statute Of Limitations Years: 2
  • Government Notice Period Days: 180

This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

Slander Statute Of Limitations in California

California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 governs the statute of limitations for slander claims in California, establishing a two-year filing window from the date the allegedly defamatory statement was first published. This statutory provision applies uniformly to oral defamation actions brought within the state’s civil courts. The two-year period begins running upon the initial utterance or broadcast of the slanderous statement, not upon the plaintiff’s discovery of the harm. The official source at the link below contains the full statutory text, including any applicable exceptions or tolling provisions that may alter the standard timeline. The worked example following this reference demonstrates how the two-year limit applies to a typical slander claim. For an estimate tailored to specific facts, the DocketMath calculator can compute the precise deadline.

Governing authority

In California, the statute of limitations rule is set by Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1. The verified packet cites Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1 (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&sectionNum=335.1).

Deadline example

For a California slander limitations check, use the verified limitations period from the current rule packet: 2 years. The authority packet cites Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1 (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&sectionNum=335.1).

Example inputs:

  • Accrual date: 2024-04-25
  • Filing date checked: 2026-04-25

Calculation:

  • Start with the accrual date.
  • Add 2 years.
  • The example deadline is 2026-04-25.

This example is generated from the verified facts packet rather than freeform prose. Confirm tolling, discovery rules, and claim-specific exceptions before relying on the date.

Estimate your own result: every situation has exceptions that can change the outcome. Use the slander statute of limitations calculator to estimate your specific figure.

This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.