What is the difference between Slander and Defamation of Character?

Question

I am not seeking legal advice, just the official definitions of the terms and a comparison between them.

Answer 1

Defamation is a broader term for an unlawful attack on someones character.

Slander is oral defamation.

Libel is published defamation.

Answer 2

Defamation is the "generic" term for two specific torts -- libel and slander. Libel is a written statement (that is false) that tends to cause and does cause harm to the reputation of the subject; slander is an oral statement (that is false) that tends to cause and does cause harm to the reputation of the subject. Both have to be communicated to third parties. Oftentimes, you have to prove "actual damages" that resulted from a slanderous statement; most of the time, damages are presumed for libel.

Some states may just call any written or oral statement "defamation of character" and not separate out the torts. States have weird names for things sometimes.

Answer 3

Slander is just saying mean things to a person in general and defamation seems to usually be related to race. Ever heard of the ADL?

Answer 4

Slander is the act of using lies to intentionally cause harm to another person.

Libel is the act of using printed lies to intentionally cause harm.

Defamation of character is what you call it when the person is a celebrity and some damages can be proven as a result of the first two. (I think this is correct, but I'm not a lawyer.)

For public figures, slander and libel are more difficult to prove because people have more latitude. You have to prove both intent and malice.

Answer 5

Not much!
Both can be used to represent the same thing: you have bad mouthed somebody!

Answer 6

Its basically the same thing