New York State Private Investigator Practice Exam

What is libel?

1. An oral defamatory statement

2. A written defamatory statement

3. A verbal agreement

4. A type of contractual obligation

The correct answer is: A written defamatory statement

Libel refers specifically to a written defamatory statement that is presented in a permanent form, such as printed words, photographs, or other visual representations. This type of defamation is characterized by its capacity to cause harm to a person's reputation through published statements that are false. Understanding the distinction between libel and other forms of defamation is important. For example, when someone makes an oral defamatory statement, it is classified as slander. This highlights that the medium in which the statement is conveyed plays a crucial role in defining the terminology used. The other options pertain to different legal concepts: a verbal agreement involves spoken commitments between parties, which does not relate to defamation at all, while a type of contractual obligation refers to duties created by a contract, which are unrelated to the issue of defamation. Thus, the definition of libel distinctly aligns with written statements that damage someone's reputation, making the chosen answer accurate in context.