---
title: "Prepare a defamation complaint, answer or particulars of publication"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/practice/defamation-and-media-law/draft-a-statement-of-claim-defence-or-particulars-of-publication/united-states"
type: "task_jurisdiction_version"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "A33-T1-R8-US"
practice_area: "Defamation & Media Law"
tier: "red"
lawyer_review: "required"
jurisdictions: ["US"]
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Prepare a defamation complaint, answer or particulars of publication

> Index the capture, the meanings list and the defences table. Write no allegation, denial or prayer.

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/practice/defamation-and-media-law/draft-a-statement-of-claim-defence-or-particulars-of-publication/united-states  
Last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Practice area | [Defamation & Media Law](https://ailawframework.com/practice/defamation-and-media-law.md) |
| Human involvement | Red: Lawyer writes; AI may check, clarify or collect data |
| How AI is used | Index the capture, the meanings list and the defences table. Write no allegation, denial or prayer. |
| What the lawyer must review | You write the pleading and, in federal court, you certify it under Rule 11 after an inquiry reasonable under the circumstances. The elements are state law, read with Sullivan, Gertz and Milkovich. California Civil Code § 45 is the libel definition if California law applies. Section 230 is pleaded only if you have decided it applies to a defendant who did not create the statement. Opinion 512 and California's 2026 guidance: you verify every citation before filing. |
| Written for | United States |
| Applies to | [Draft a statement of claim, defence or particulars of publication](https://ailawframework.com/practice/defamation-and-media-law/draft-a-statement-of-claim-defence-or-particulars-of-publication.md) |

## Checking plan

- What the AI does: Index the capture, the meanings list and the defences table. Write no allegation, denial or prayer.
- Basis: Checked against the linked sources on 22 October 2026. Confirm the current instrument before reliance.

## Notes

- State courts use their own pleading rules. Rule 11 is the federal certificate.
- Open every case before it is cited. A real-looking citation is not a source.

## Sources

- [Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11](https://www.law.cornell.edu/rules/frcp/rule_11) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [California Civil Code § 45 (libel defined)](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=45) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, 376 U.S. 254 (1964)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/376/254) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [State Bar of California, Practical Guidance for the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in the Practice of Law (2026)](https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/ethics/Generative-AI-Practical-Guidance.pdf) (checked 2026-10-22)

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*