Final answer:
Defamation involves slander or libel that damages an individual's reputation. It requires that false information be presented as a fact. Public figures must prove 'actual malice' to win a defamation case, as set by the New York Times v. Sullivan case.
Step-by-step explanation:
The act that involves some form of slander or libel which damages a person's reputation is known as defamation. Slander consists of spoken statements that harm a person's reputation, whereas libel refers to written or published defamatory statements.
In defamation cases, the burden of proof lies on the individual or company who claims to have been defamed to initiate a lawsuit against the media outlet or individual responsible for the defamation. When it comes to expressions of opinion or speech, they are generally protected under the First Amendment unless they fall under the categories of libel, slander, or other non-protected forms of speech, such as incitement, threats, and fighting words.