What is defamation?

Defamation refers to the act of making false statements about someone that can harm their reputation. This legal concept encompasses both written statements, known as libel, and spoken statements, referred to as slander. For a statement to be considered defamatory, it must be untrue and have the potential to lower the individual in the eyes of the community or deter others from associating with them.

The importance of understanding defamation lies in its implications for personal and professional reputations. Truth is a valid defense against defamation claims; if a statement is factual, it cannot be considered defamatory regardless of the impact on reputation. Additionally, public figures may have a higher burden of proof to demonstrate defamation due to their status and the legal protections in place for freedom of expression.

Given this context, the definition involving false statements damaging a person's reputation accurately captures the essence of defamation, distinguishing it from other legal concepts such as invasion of privacy or negligence, which are addressed in other options.