Which term describes false written statements that damage a person's reputation?

Which term describes false written statements that damage a person's reputation?

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

Answer: (B)

Written statements that harm someone's reputation are called libel. Libel is a form of defamation—the umbrella term for false statements that injure a person’s good name. The spoken counterpart is slander, which is defamation that occurs verbally. Defamation covers both written and spoken forms, but since the statements are written, the precise term is libel. Gossip isn’t a formal legal term for harming reputations; it’s casual chatter that may repeat unverified information and isn’t the same as libel.

Written statements that harm someone's reputation are called libel. Libel is a form of defamation—the umbrella term for false statements that injure a person’s good name. The spoken counterpart is slander, which is defamation that occurs verbally. Defamation covers both written and spoken forms, but since the statements are written, the precise term is libel. Gossip isn’t a formal legal term for harming reputations; it’s casual chatter that may repeat unverified information and isn’t the same as libel.