Final answer:
Libel, slander, and false arrest are classified as intentional torts. Libel and slander are both forms of defamation, the former in written form and the latter spoken, while false arrest is the illegal restraint of someone's freedom. Public figures face a higher threshold for proving defamation through the 'actual malice' standard established by the New York Times v. Sullivan case.
Step-by-step explanation:
Libel, slander, and false arrest are categorized as intentional torts. In legal terms, both libel and slander constitute defamation of character, which can cause a loss of reputation and income. Unlike libel, which is defamation in written form, slander refers to defamation that is spoken. False arrest involves the unlawful restraint of a person's freedom of movement. These acts are taken seriously in the legal system because they infringe upon an individual's rights and can lead to significant personal and professional harm.
However, it is important to note that not all negative statements are subject to legal action. For example, opinions are generally protected under free speech unless they are presented as factual claims. The landmark New York Times v. Sullivan case established that public figures must demonstrate 'actual malice', meaning that the statement was made with knowledge of its falsity or with reckless disregard for the truth, to prevail in a defamation lawsuit.