What defines libel?

Libel is defined as the act of making false statements about an individual or entity in a written or printed format that can harm their reputation. This distinction is crucial because libel specifically pertains to written defamation, while slander refers to false statements made through spoken words.

The definition encompasses not only the act of making the false statement but also the medium through which the statement is made—namely print or writing. It is essential to notice that for a statement to qualify as libel, it must be untrue and must result in some form of harm, such as damage to reputation, in the context of public perception.

This understanding differentiates libel from the other options. False oral statements fall under slander, while negligent actions and acts of malfeasance pertain to other legal principles concerning negligence and wrongdoing, respectively, rather than to defamation through written forms. Thus, the correct answer highlights the key element that sets libel apart in the realm of legal definitions regarding defamation.