Final answer:
Libel is written defamation, which involves harming someone's reputation by publishing false statements. The high standard of proving 'reckless disregard' or malice applies to public figures. Criminal prosecutions for libel are rare.
Step-by-step explanation:
Libel is b. written defamation, which is the act of harming another person's reputation by making false statements in written or printed form. Unlike slander, which is spoken defamation, libel involves publishing false information with the intent to harm the individual's reputation. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution does protect free speech; however, this right does not extend to defamatory statements, whether they are written (libel) or spoken (slander).
In cases concerning public figures, as established in the landmark New York Times v. Sullivan case, there is a higher standard for proving libel. Public figures must show that the defamatory statements were made with 'reckless disregard' for the truth or with actual malice. Furthermore, while defamation can lead to civil lawsuits, criminal prosecutions of libel and slander are comparatively uncommon.