Slander

in law, a false tale or report uttered with malicious intent to injure the good name or reputation of another. In other words, slander may be defined as false, malicious talk about one's neighbor. If reduced to writing, signs, pictures, or print, slander becomes libel. Action at law may be brought for damages inflicted by slander, but slander is not in the eye of the law a criminal offense. In case of libel the sufferer may bring an action to recover damages. Libel is also punishable as a crime. Talking to a person to his face, in however unwarranted a fashion, is not considered slander unless a third person be present to hear.