Every jurisdiction in our dataset that gives 3 years to file a defamation claim, with the governing statute.
Quick answer: 7 of 51 jurisdictions give 3 years for defamation claims: Arkansas, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin.
Data last reviewed: October 2026. General information, not legal advice.
| State | Statute | Clock starts |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105 | Date of publication |
| Massachusetts | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 4 | Date of publication |
| New Hampshire | N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 508:4 | Date of publication |
| New Mexico | N.M. Stat. Ann. § 37-1-8 | Date of publication |
| Rhode Island | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14(b) | Date of publication |
| Vermont | Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 12, § 512(3) | Date of publication |
| Wisconsin | Wis. Stat. § 893.57 | Date of publication |
7 of 51 jurisdictions: Arkansas, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin.
Other states allow 1 year, 2 years. See the links on this page for each group.
Not always. Many states pause or extend the clock for minors, for harm that is discovered late, or when the defendant hides the wrong, and claims against governments often require earlier notice. Check your state's page for its exceptions.