What aspect differentiates libel from slander?

The distinction between libel and slander primarily hinges on the medium of communication used to convey the defamatory statement. Libel pertains to defamatory statements that are made in written form or any other fixed medium, such as printed materials or visual representations. This includes books, newspapers, online posts, and other permanent forms of communication. In contrast, slander refers to defamatory statements that are made through verbal means, such as spoken words or gestures.

This differentiation in medium is significant because it affects the legal standards and burdens of proof that apply in defamation cases. Libel is often treated as more harmful due to its permanence and the greater potential reach of written statements, which can be disseminated widely and may cause lasting reputational damage.

Other elements, such as the content of the statement, the intent behind it, and how individuals respond to it, do not serve as the primary differentiators between libel and slander. Instead, they may influence other aspects of a defamation case but are not what fundamentally distinguishes these two forms of defamation.