What is the meaning of "slander" in a legal context?

In a legal context, "slander" specifically refers to defamation that is expressed in an oral form. This means that slander involves making false and harmful statements about someone that are spoken rather than written. To prove slander in court, the plaintiff must typically demonstrate that the statement was made to a third party, that it was false, and that it caused harm to their reputation.

Understanding slander is crucial for recognizing the difference between oral and written defamation; the latter is termed "libel." Because slander is spoken, it often requires evidence of the statement's impact, which can be more challenging to prove than with written defamation, where documents can serve as tangible proof. This distinction emphasizes the importance of communication methods in legal contexts, particularly concerning reputation and personal harm.