@5ish
You are confusing slander and defamation
Slander is oral and may be defamatory
Libel is slander that is reduced to writing and spread (published) to at least one other by almost any means and also may be defamatory in nature.
Truth is a defense to both charges.
There is a stricter standard for proving defamation to public figures, there must be a malicious intent to cause harm.
Haven’t taught Tort law in 25 years, but you posted a common misconception most incoming first year students have/had.
CTL’s biggest legal definition pet peeve:
Virtually all contracts are verbal, some are oral, some are written.
Example of the rare non-verbal contract: Auctioneer asks who who’ll bid and a paddle or hand is raised. That non-verbal agreement forms a contract,