Court Reporter Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes libel?

1. Verbal defamation of character

2. A written defamation affecting reputation

3. A legal term for slander

4. A public apology for defamation

The correct answer is: A written defamation affecting reputation

Libel is defined as a form of defamation that is expressed in a fixed medium, primarily written, which causes harm to an individual's reputation. This includes any published or broadcast statements that can prove to be false, injurious, and presented as facts about a person that tarnish their image or standing in society. Thus, the choice that articulates libel as "a written defamation affecting reputation" accurately captures its essence, distinguishing it from slander, which is primarily verbal. In contrast, the other choices describe concepts related to defamation but do not correctly define libel. The option highlighting verbal defamation specifically refers to slander, not libel. The suggestion that libel is simply a legal term for slander overlooks the distinction between written and spoken forms of defamation. Similarly, describing a public apology for defamation does not relate to the act of defamation itself, but rather the response or remedy that can follow a defamation claim. Hence, the definition provided in the correct choice precisely aligns with the legal understanding of libel.