There are two main types of defamation:
* Libel: Defamation in written or printed form.
* Slander: Defamation spoken aloud.
To be considered defamation, the statement must be:
* False: The statement must be untrue.
* Published: The statement must be communicated to a third party.
* Damaging: The statement must have the potential to harm the person's reputation.
* Made with fault: The speaker must have acted with malice or negligence.
Defamation can have serious consequences, including legal action and damage to one's personal and professional life.