Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) Practice Exam

What is libel?

1. A written statement that harms a person's reputation

2. A spoken defamation of character

3. A false statement made during legal proceedings

4. A personal attack in any form of media

The correct answer is: A written statement that harms a person's reputation

Libel is defined as a written statement that harms a person's reputation. This definition is crucial in understanding the legal implications surrounding defamation, specifically the written form of it, which distinguishes it from slander, the spoken form of defamation. The key elements that define libel include the requirement that the statement must be published, false, and made with a degree of fault, such as negligence or actual malice, depending on the status of the person who is defamed, particularly in cases involving public figures. Other options provided describe different forms of defamation or mischaracterizations. For instance, spoken defamation of character relates specifically to slander, while false statements made during legal proceedings pertain to perjury or legal malpractice rather than defamation. A personal attack in any form of media can encompass various types of claims, but without the specific element of written statements damaging someone's reputation, it does not accurately describe libel. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the legal definitions and the relevant protections provided under defamation laws.