What is the difference between libel and slander?

• A. Libel is defamation in written form, while slander is defamation in verbal form.
• B. Libel is defamation in written form, while slander is defamation in written form.
• C. Libel is a form of copyright.
• D. Slander is a form of patent.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that defamation is categorized by how the damaging statement is shared. Libel refers to defamation that is written or otherwise permanently recorded—things like newspaper articles, blog posts, books, emails, or social media posts. Slander refers to defamation that is spoken aloud. Because written statements are fixed in a record, libel provides a tangible piece of evidence, often making it easier to prove in court. Slander relies on testimony about what was said and can depend more on witnesses and the context of the spoken words. The other options mix up the concept by tying libel to copyright or slander to patent, which aren’t about harming someone’s reputation.