What is the definition of slander?

Slander is defined specifically as oral statements that harm someone's reputation. It involves making false spoken statements that can damage a person's character or lead to a negative perception in the eyes of others. This concept is part of defamation law, which is concerned with protecting individuals from wrongful harm to their reputations through false claims. The key aspect that distinguishes slander from other forms of defamation, such as libel, is the medium through which the damaging statements are made; slander refers exclusively to spoken words, as opposed to written or published statements. Understanding this distinction is crucial for recognizing how slander is applied in legal contexts.