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

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

• A. Slander
• B. Privileged Communication
• C. Malpractice
• D. Libel

Answer: (D)

Defamation in written form is called libel. This means a false statement about someone is published in writing and harms that person’s reputation. The key idea is that the defaming claim is written and publicly disseminated, not merely spoken. Libel distinguishes written false statements from slander, which is defamation spoken aloud. Privileged communication refers to statements protected in certain contexts (like official or confidential communications), not to harmful false written statements, and malpractice refers to professional negligence in care, not defamation.

Defamation in written form is called libel. This means a false statement about someone is published in writing and harms that person’s reputation. The key idea is that the defaming claim is written and publicly disseminated, not merely spoken. Libel distinguishes written false statements from slander, which is defamation spoken aloud. Privileged communication refers to statements protected in certain contexts (like official or confidential communications), not to harmful false written statements, and malpractice refers to professional negligence in care, not defamation.