For defamation to be actionable, the statement must be false and communicated to a third party.

For defamation to be actionable, the statement must be false and communicated to a third party.

• A. True
• B. Only if in writing
• C. False
• D. It depends

Answer: (A)

The key idea being tested is what makes a defamation claim actionable: the statement must be false and it must be communicated to someone other than the person it’s about. If a false statement is spoken to or written for others to hear, it can harm reputation and be actionable. Truth acts as a complete defense, so a true statement—even if unkind—generally isn’t defamation. That’s why the statement is correct: a defaming remark must be false and published to a third party. Saying it only to the person involved, or saying it in writing when it’s true, wouldn’t meet the defamation standard. And since defamation can occur through spoken words (slander) or written statements (libel), the form — written or spoken — isn’t the defining factor.

The key idea being tested is what makes a defamation claim actionable: the statement must be false and it must be communicated to someone other than the person it’s about. If a false statement is spoken to or written for others to hear, it can harm reputation and be actionable. Truth acts as a complete defense, so a true statement—even if unkind—generally isn’t defamation.

That’s why the statement is correct: a defaming remark must be false and published to a third party. Saying it only to the person involved, or saying it in writing when it’s true, wouldn’t meet the defamation standard. And since defamation can occur through spoken words (slander) or written statements (libel), the form — written or spoken — isn’t the defining factor.