Slander is a false spoken statement about someone that damages their reputation. It involves verbally making untrue and defamatory remarks with the intent to harm the subject's reputation. Unlike libel, which is written defamation, slander is communicated orally or in a transient form such as gestures
. Legally, slander is a form of defamation that can lead to civil lawsuits if the victim proves that the statement was false, damaging, and made with malice or knowledge of its falsity. The statement must be presented as a fact, not opinion, and communicated to a third party. Slander is not usually a criminal offense but a civil wrong, allowing the victim to seek monetary compensation for damages caused
. Examples of slander include falsely accusing someone of criminal behavior or professional misconduct, which results in harm to their reputation or livelihood
. In summary:
- Slander : False spoken statement damaging someone's reputation.
- Key aspects : Must be untrue, spoken, harmful, and made to others.
- Legal consequences : Civil liability, possible compensation for damages.
- Difference from libel : Slander is oral; libel is written or published
