The written form of defamation often expressed in published materials is called?

The written form of defamation, which means making false statements that harm an individual's reputation, is specifically referred to as libel. This term is used when the defamatory statements are communicated in a permanent medium, such as writing, printed articles, or online postings. Libel is distinct because it can often be proven through the published evidence itself, making it a serious legal concern in many jurisdictions.

Slander, by contrast, refers to defamatory statements made in spoken form, lacking the permanence of written communication. False claims can encompass a broader range of untrue statements but do not specifically denote defamation as defined in law. Character defamation, while it describes the act of harming someone’s reputation, is a general term that encompasses both libel and slander. Thus, libel is the precise legal term that denotes written defamation, making it the correct choice in this context.