What is the Difference Between Slander and Defamation?

The main difference between slander and defamation lies in the form in which the untrue statement is made. Both slander and libel are types of defamation, which occurs when a false statement is made to a third party about a person's character or professional standing, causing harm to their reputation. Here are the key distinctions:

Slander: This is the act of making a false oral statement about the character or professional standing of another person. It is a type of defamation that occurs when a false statement is made in oral form and does harm to a victim. Examples of slander include making false statements in public places, such as at a town meeting or work.
Libel: This is the act of defaming another person through writings, such as newspapers, other publications, articles, blogs, or social media postings. Libel occurs when a false statement is published in any type of written form, including print, writing, pictures, or digital communications. Examples of libel include published articles, blog comments, and digital statements.

Both slander and libel are considered defamatory statements, and the tort of defamation can be divided into claims for defamatory per se statements and defamatory per quod statements. In order to prove a defamation claim, a plaintiff must show that the defendant was at fault for making the false statement.