Slander is spoken - Liable is written? Patty

Libel

  Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary

2 entries found for slander.
To select an entry, click on it.

Main Entry: 2slander
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English sclaundre, slaundre, from Old French esclandre, from Late Latin scandalum stumbling block, offense -- more at SCANDAL
1 : the utterance of false charges or misrepresentations which defame and damage another's reputation
2 : a false and defamatory oral statement about a person -- compare LIBEL
- slan·der·ous /-d(&-)r&s/ adjective
- slan·der·ous·ly adverb
- slan·der·ous·ness noun



2 entries found for libel.
To select an entry, click on it.

Main Entry: 1li·bel
Pronunciation: 'lI-b&l
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, written declaration, from Middle French, from Latin libellus, diminutive of liber book
1 a : a written statement in which a plaintiff in certain courts sets forth the cause of action or the relief sought b archaic : a handbill especially attacking or defaming someone
2 a : a written or oral defamatory statement or representation that conveys an unjustly unfavorable impression b (1) : a statement or representation published without just cause and tending to expose another to public contempt (2) : defamation of a person by written or representational means (3) : the publication of blasphemous, treasonable, seditious, or obscene writings or pictures (4) : the act, tort, or crime of publishing such a libel

terms of use

Libel. They are basically the same thing. Some areas differentiate them as you described, and some don't.

Thanks - I spelled it wrong go figure!  Patty

Slander

Libel

I. Defamation
  A. Libel
  B. Slander

Gotcha.  Basically speaking you have to prove damages in order to have either right?  Patty