Final answer:
The main difference between libel and slander is that libel involves the written or printed word, while slander involves spoken words or gestures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main difference between libel and slander is that libel involves the written or printed word, while slander involves spoken words or gestures. Libel occurs when false information is published or circulated in written form, such as in newspapers, magazines, or online articles. On the other hand, slander refers to false spoken statements that are made to defame or harm someone's reputation.
Libel can have a more lasting and widespread impact because it is written and can reach a larger audience. It can also be easier to prove since there is a physical record of the false statement. Slander, on the other hand, is more fleeting and immediate since it involves spoken words that can be easily denied or misunderstood.
It's important to note that both libel and slander are forms of defamation, which refers to the act of harming someone's reputation through false statements. Defamation laws vary by jurisdiction and can include elements such as proving the false statement, damage to the person's reputation, and the absence of a valid defense.