What is the term for the written form of defamation?

The term for the written form of defamation is "libel." Libel refers specifically to false statements that are published in a permanent form, such as in newspapers, books, or online media, which can harm an individual's reputation. This distinguishes it from slander, which involves spoken defamatory statements. Understanding the distinction is important in legal contexts, as the two types of defamation are treated differently under the law. "Defamation" is a broader category that encompasses both libel and slander, while "malpractice" pertains to professional negligence, typically in the context of healthcare or legal professions, and is not relevant to the question of defamation.