Which statement best describes libel?

• A. Libel is statements spoken that damage reputation.
• B. Libel is false and malicious publications (printed).
• C. Libel is a form of physical injury.
• D. Libel is a nonverbal gesture.

Answer: (B)

Libel is defamation expressed in writing or another fixed medium, published to others, that harms a person’s reputation. This is what distinguishes libel from other harms and from slander, which is defamation spoken aloud. The statement must be false and communicated to third parties, typically in printed form or a similarly fixed medium. That’s why describing libel as false and malicious publications (printed) best captures the written, published nature of defamation and its impact on reputation. The other options describe slander (spoken statements) or non-defamatory harms (physical injury, nonverbal gestures), which aren’t libel.