False statements made in writing for the purpose of injuring the reputation of another constitute

• A. defamation
• B. libel
• C. slander
• D. perjury

Answer: (B)

Written false statements intended to harm someone's reputation are libel. Libel is defamation expressed in a fixed medium—writing, print, or any written form such as articles, emails, or posts. If the false statements are spoken rather than written, that’s slander, the oral counterpart of defamation. Defamation itself is the umbrella term for false statements that damage reputation, but the term libel specifically applies to those statements and publications in writing. Perjury is lying under oath in court, which is a different offense and not about harming someone’s reputation through written publication.