Which term describes defaming someone in writing?

Which term describes defaming someone in writing?

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

Answer: (A)

Defaming someone in writing is libel. Libel is the written form of defamation—the act of making false statements about a person that harm their reputation and are published to others. The broader term defamation covers both written and spoken false statements; when defaming is spoken rather than written, the term is slander. Perjury isn’t about defamation at all—it's lying under oath in court. In practice, libel involves a false factual claim that is published; opinions aren’t typically treated as libel.

Defaming someone in writing is libel. Libel is the written form of defamation—the act of making false statements about a person that harm their reputation and are published to others. The broader term defamation covers both written and spoken false statements; when defaming is spoken rather than written, the term is slander. Perjury isn’t about defamation at all—it's lying under oath in court. In practice, libel involves a false factual claim that is published; opinions aren’t typically treated as libel.