Which term refers to written defamation of another person, with especially rigid restrictions for public officials?

Which term refers to written defamation of another person, with especially rigid restrictions for public officials?

• A. Libel
• B. Slander
• C. Obscenity
• D. Fighting Words

Answer: (A)

Libel is written defamation of another person. It involves false statements presented in a fixed medium, like a newspaper, book, or online post, that harm someone’s reputation. When the target is a public official, courts apply a stricter standard, requiring proof of actual malice—meaning the speaker knew the statement was false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth—before the claim can succeed. This tougher bar reflects the importance of protecting free discussion about government and public figures. Slander, by contrast, is spoken defamation; obscenity concerns sexually explicit material judged by community standards and is not about defaming someone; fighting words are expressions that provoke an immediate violent response and aren’t about defamation at all.

Libel is written defamation of another person. It involves false statements presented in a fixed medium, like a newspaper, book, or online post, that harm someone’s reputation. When the target is a public official, courts apply a stricter standard, requiring proof of actual malice—meaning the speaker knew the statement was false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth—before the claim can succeed. This tougher bar reflects the importance of protecting free discussion about government and public figures. Slander, by contrast, is spoken defamation; obscenity concerns sexually explicit material judged by community standards and is not about defaming someone; fighting words are expressions that provoke an immediate violent response and aren’t about defamation at all.