What is libel?

What is libel?

• A. A spoken false statement
• B. A written untruth or lie
• C. A type of defamation lawsuit
• D. False information broadcasts

Answer: (B)

Libel refers specifically to a written false statement that damages a person's reputation. This definition distinguishes libel from other forms of defamation, such as slander, which involves spoken statements. The critical aspect of libel lies in its permanence; written statements can be published and disseminated, potentially reaching a wide audience, which amplifies the harm that the untruth can cause to an individual’s character or standing. While it is true that libel is a type of defamation and can be associated with lawsuits (as mentioned in one of the choices), the defining characteristic of libel is that it is a written untruth. Additionally, broadcasting false information encompasses various formats and does not specifically pertain to the written nature of libel. Hence, the emphasis on the written aspect makes this option the most accurate definition of libel.

Libel refers specifically to a written false statement that damages a person's reputation. This definition distinguishes libel from other forms of defamation, such as slander, which involves spoken statements. The critical aspect of libel lies in its permanence; written statements can be published and disseminated, potentially reaching a wide audience, which amplifies the harm that the untruth can cause to an individual’s character or standing.

While it is true that libel is a type of defamation and can be associated with lawsuits (as mentioned in one of the choices), the defining characteristic of libel is that it is a written untruth. Additionally, broadcasting false information encompasses various formats and does not specifically pertain to the written nature of libel. Hence, the emphasis on the written aspect makes this option the most accurate definition of libel.