Defamatory statements that harm a person's reputation that are written are called?

Defamatory statements that harm a person's reputation that are written are called?

• A. Libel
• B. Slander
• C. Defamation
• D. Rumor

Answer: (A)

Libel is the term for defamatory statements that are written and harm someone’s reputation. The key is the fixed, written form—things like articles, posts, emails, or letters—that can be read by others and can spread widely over time. Because the statement is documented, its impact can be long-lasting and easier to prove as publication. Slander, by contrast, is spoken defamation—words spoken to another person. Defamation is the umbrella term that covers both written and spoken false statements, while a rumor is informal information that may or may not be defamatory; it isn’t the formal label for written defamation. So when the harm comes from a written statement, libel is the correct term.

Libel is the term for defamatory statements that are written and harm someone’s reputation. The key is the fixed, written form—things like articles, posts, emails, or letters—that can be read by others and can spread widely over time. Because the statement is documented, its impact can be long-lasting and easier to prove as publication. Slander, by contrast, is spoken defamation—words spoken to another person. Defamation is the umbrella term that covers both written and spoken false statements, while a rumor is informal information that may or may not be defamatory; it isn’t the formal label for written defamation. So when the harm comes from a written statement, libel is the correct term.