Which term describes written defamation?

• A. Slander
• B. Libel
• C. Calumny
• D. Defamation

Answer: (B)

Written defamation is described as libel. In defamation law, libel refers to false statements about a person that are fixed in a written or other permanent form—such as newspapers, blogs, social media posts, letters, or online posts—that harm someone's reputation. Because the statement is in a tangible record, it can be circulated widely and retained over time, making the harm more lasting and easier to prove.

Slander, by contrast, is spoken defamation, which is typically less permanent. Calumny refers to false statements meant to ruin someone's reputation and can be spoken or written but isn’t defined by permanence. Defamation is the broad category that covers both written and spoken false statements. So the term for written defamation is libel.