Slander is defamation that is written, whereas libel is defamation that is oral.

Slander is defamation that is written, whereas libel is defamation that is oral.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. It varies by country
• D. They are the same

Answer: (B)

Defamation has two traditional forms: libel is defamation in a written or other permanent form, while slander is defamation spoken aloud. The statement reverses these definitions, so it’s not correct. In many common-law systems, the written form (libel) tends to be treated as more lasting and able to be proven with different damages than the spoken form (slander), though modern law in some places blends these concepts. Still, the standard distinction taught for this item is that libel is written and slander is spoken, which is why the statement is false.

Defamation has two traditional forms: libel is defamation in a written or other permanent form, while slander is defamation spoken aloud. The statement reverses these definitions, so it’s not correct. In many common-law systems, the written form (libel) tends to be treated as more lasting and able to be proven with different damages than the spoken form (slander), though modern law in some places blends these concepts. Still, the standard distinction taught for this item is that libel is written and slander is spoken, which is why the statement is false.