What does the term defamation refer to?

The term defamation specifically refers to the act of communicating false information about an individual that injures their reputation. This definition encompasses both spoken defamatory statements (known as slander) and written statements (known as libel). The key aspect of defamation is the falsehood; true statements, no matter how damaging, do not qualify as defamation because they are not misleading and therefore cannot unjustly harm someone's reputation.

Understanding defamation is critical, especially in fields that require communication and interaction with the public, as it can have serious legal implications for individuals and organizations alike. If someone makes false claims about another person that are damaging, it can lead to legal action and claims for damages suffered as a result of the defamation. This concept highlights the importance of accuracy and truthfulness in communication to avoid potential reputational harm to others.