Truth is not slander/libel, and no damages can be claimed from libel/slander/fraud/defamation where no damage was done. Despite the general (and often well earned) perception of America as unduly litigous, I think those two principles invaluable (though not infallible) barriers to frivolous/malicious suits.

The part of me that likes trial by ordeal, meanwhile, is always deterred by the much larger part that believes in free will.