n. a person's good name, honor and what the community thinks of him/her. The quality and value of one's reputation is a key issue in suits for defamation (libel and slander) since the damage to one's reputation by published untruths may determine the amount of judgment against the defamer. Sometimes a person's reputation is so great that most defamation cannot do him/her much harm. (See: defamation, libel, slander)
REPUTATION, evidence. The opinion generally entertained by persons who know
another, as to his character, (q.v.) or it is the opinion generally
entertained by person; who know a family as to its pedigree, and the like.
2. In general, reputation is evidence to prove, 1st. A man's character
in society. 2d. A pedigree. (q.v.) 3d. Certain prescriptive or customary
rights and obligations and matters of public notoriety. (q.v.) But as such
evidence is in its own nature very weak, it must be supported. 1st. When it
relates to the exercise of the right or privilege, by proof of acts of
enjoyment of such right or privilege, within the period of living memory; 1
Maule & Selw. 679; 5 T. R. 32; afterwards evidence of reputation may be
given. 2d. The fact must be of a public nature. 3d. It must be derived from
persons likely to know the facts. 4th. The facts must be general and, not
particular. 5th. They must be free from suspicion. 1 Stark. Ev. 54 to 65.
Vide 1 Har. & M'H. 152; 2 Nott & M'C. 114 5 Day, R. 290; 4 Hen. & M. 507; 1
Tayl. R. 121; 2 Hayw. 3; 8 S. & R. 159; 4 John. R. 52; 18 John. R. 346; 9
Mass. R. 414; 4 Burr. 2057; Dougl. 174; Cowp. 594; 3 Swanst. 400; Dudl. So.
Car. R. 346; and arts. Character; Memory.