Per Quod

[Latin, Whereby.] With respect to a complaint in a civil action, a phrase that prefaces the recital of the consequences of certain acts as a ground of special harm to the plaintiff.

At COMMON LAW, this term acquired two meanings in the law of DEFAMATION: with respect to slander, it signified that proof of special damages was required; in regard to LIBEL, it meant that proof of extrinsic circumstances was required.

Words that are actionable per quod do not furnish a basis for a lawsuit upon their face but are only litigable because of extrinsic facts showing the circumstances under which they were uttered or the damages ensuing to the defamed party therefrom.