Certified Medical Assistant Practice Exam

Which of the following terms describes written statements made to damage an individual's reputation?

1. Slander

2. Defamation

3. Libel

4. Perjury

The correct answer is: Libel

The term that specifically refers to written statements made to damage an individual's reputation is libel. Libel is a form of defamation that involves false written statements that harm an individual's character or reputation. It distinguishes itself from oral defamation, which is known as slander. Since libel pertains explicitly to the written word, it is critical to recognize that this term directly addresses the context described in the question. Defamation encompasses both slander and libel but is a broader term that includes any false statements made about a person, whether spoken or written. While perjury involves lying under oath and does not pertain to damaging reputations but rather to the act of providing false testimony in a legal setting, it is unrelated to the concepts of slander and libel. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why libel is the term that accurately describes the actions detailed in the question.