New York Private Investigator Regulations Practice Exam

What does libel mean?

1. A spoken defamatory statement

2. Written defamatory statement injurious to reputation of another

3. A legal defense against defamation

4. A public apology for defamation

The correct answer is: Written defamatory statement injurious to reputation of another

Libel refers specifically to a written defamatory statement that is injurious to the reputation of another individual. Unlike slander, which involves spoken defamatory remarks, libel encompasses any form of published or recorded material that can harm someone's reputation. This includes statements made in newspapers, books, online forums, or any other written format. The emphasis on being 'written' is crucial because it implies a degree of permanence and dissemination, making the impact of such statements potentially far-reaching. In legal contexts, to establish a case of libel, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the statement was false, published to a third party, and that it caused harm to their reputation. This understanding is essential for private investigators and legal professionals, as they often encounter scenarios where determining the nature of statements—libel or slander—is critical in defamation cases. The other options do not accurately represent the definition of libel, either confusing it with other forms of defamation or misidentifying it as a legal defense or apology.