What is libel?

Libel is defined as a written defamation of a person's character. This legal term refers specifically to the act of making false statements about someone in written form that can harm their reputation. Unlike slander, which involves spoken defamation, libel requires that the harmful statements are published or communicated through writing or another permanent medium. To establish libel, the statement must not only be false but also presented as a factual claim, which can mislead others and unjustly damage the subject’s reputation. Understanding the distinction between libel and other forms of defamation, such as slander, is crucial in the field of public relations and media law, as it informs how communications should be crafted and the strategies for managing reputational risks effectively.