Which of the following describes defamation as a legal concept?

Defamation, as a legal concept, specifically refers to a false statement that is made about a person that causes harm to that individual's reputation. This definition is critical because it emphasizes two key aspects: the need for the statement to be false and the requirement that it results in damage to the person's reputation. In legal terms, for a claim of defamation to be valid, the statement must not only be untrue but also must affect how others perceive the individual negatively.

The other options, while related to communication about individuals, do not capture the essential elements necessary for a defamation claim. A public statement made by an individual does not inherently imply that it is damaging or false. Evaluations of someone’s character could be subjective opinions and thus might not meet the criteria for defamation, as they may not be factual assertions. A statement made about another individual, in general, lacks the specificity regarding its truthfulness and the resultant harm that is crucial for defamation. Therefore, the focus on falsity and its impact on reputation in the correct answer is what distinguishes it within the legal concept of defamation.