Which statement best defines slander?

• A. Slander is false and malicious publication (printed).
• B. Slander is words falsely spoken that damage the reputation.
• C. Slander is a civil wrong.
• D. Slander refers to non-verbal actions.

Answer: (B)

Slander is a form of defamation defined by spoken statements. The best answer captures the essential elements: words that are spoken, are false, and damage a person’s reputation. This focuses on the method (spoken), the truth of the statements (must be false for slander), and the consequence (harm to reputation).

The other ideas miss key parts: describing defamation as printed statements points to libel, not slander; labeling it simply as a civil wrong is true but vague and doesn’t specify that the defaming act is oral; and non-verbal actions aren’t defamation.