How do slander and libel differ?

How do slander and libel differ?

• A. Slander is spoken false statements; Libel is written false statements.
• B. Slander is always false; Libel is true.
• C. Slander is legal; Libel is illegal.
• D. Slander is printed; Libel is spoken.

Answer: (A)

Defamation involves false statements that harm someone’s reputation, and the difference here is how the statement is communicated. Slander refers to spoken defamation—false statements made aloud to others. Libel refers to written defamation—false statements that are published in writing or in another permanent form. Because the distinction is about the medium, this pairing is the best match: spoken versus written. The other options mix up the medium or imply truths or legality that aren’t how defamation is defined.

Defamation involves false statements that harm someone’s reputation, and the difference here is how the statement is communicated. Slander refers to spoken defamation—false statements made aloud to others. Libel refers to written defamation—false statements that are published in writing or in another permanent form. Because the distinction is about the medium, this pairing is the best match: spoken versus written. The other options mix up the medium or imply truths or legality that aren’t how defamation is defined.