Jones & Bartlett Learning (JBL) Module 3 Practice Exam

Defamation involves false statements that harm someone’s reputation. When such a false statement is spoken aloud to others, it’s called slander. If the same harm were caused by a written statement, the term would be libel. Since the question describes a false spoken statement that harms a person’s reputation, slander is the term that fits best.

Negligence means failing to exercise reasonable care, which isn’t about harming someone’s reputation through spoken statements. Assault concerns intentional threats or use of force, not defamation. Libel refers to written defamation, not spoken.