Slander
Categories: Regulations
See: Libel.
Libel refers to the written word; slander is when something is verbalized. Say something false to intentionally harm someone's rep, and you're legally dead meat. The falsely accused can sue your pants (and other clothes) off you. And in today's world of easy recordings, mass postings on Twitter or Facebook or YouTube, the damages of recorded slanderings can be massive.
On Wall Street, where reputations are "everything," if you harm someone's business with a false or unprovable accusation, then have your checkbook handy. You didn't really need that nice condo on 5th; you'll be fine living in your station wagon down by the river after the lawyers get through with you.
