Libel and Slander are both forms of defamation , which is the act of making false statements about someone that harm their reputation or character. While both terms are often used interchangeably, there are distinct differences between them. Libel is a written or published statement that damages someone's reputation, while slander is a spoken statement that does the same. In other words, libel is a form of defamation that occurs through print or electronic media (e.g., newspapers, websites, social media platforms), while slander occurs through verbal communication (e.g., face-to-face conversations, phone calls, radio broadcasts). The purposes of libel and slander are similar: to damage someone's reputation, ruin their relationships, or even cause financial harm. However, libel has historically been seen as more serious and consequential because of its wider reach and permanence. Once something is published, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to completely erase it from
Differentiating Concepts