How is libel defined?

Libel is specifically defined as a form of defamation that involves the presentation of false information in a printed format. This can include publications in newspapers, magazines, or online articles where an individual's character or reputation is maliciously harmed through the dissemination of untrue statements. The key aspect that makes libel distinct from other forms of defamation, such as slander, is that libel concerns written or published statements, rather than spoken words.

While oral defamation of character is categorized as slander, printed defamation falls under libel, which emphasizes the medium through which the untrue statement is made. Moreover, while social media can facilitate the spread of defamatory content, the definition of libel traditionally pertains to written communication, making it a more specific and legally recognized term within the realm of defamation law. Thus, the focus on printed material aligns perfectly with the established legal understanding of libel.