Libel is defamation in writing, and it harms reputations under Georgia law.

Which type of defamation involves written statements?

• A. Slander
• B. Libel
• C. Perjury
• D. Denial

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is libel, which specifically refers to defamation through written or published statements that harm an individual's reputation. Unlike slander, which involves spoken defamation, libel can take various forms, including written articles, online content, books, or any published material that conveys false information about someone. The significance of libel lies in its potential lasting impact, as written statements can reach a wider audience and persist over time, making the damage to a person's reputation potentially more severe than that caused by slander. This distinction is essential within the scope of defamation law, as the remedies and legal implications may differ based on whether the defamatory statement was written or spoken. Perjury involves lying under oath, which does not pertain to defamation, while denial refers to the act of stating that something is not true and does not have a direct relationship with defamation itself.

Defamation and the written word: why it matters for Georgia life agents

If you’ve spent any time around insurance—whether you’re meeting clients, drafting emails, or posting something online—you’ve touched the edge of defamation territory. It’s not about drama for drama’s sake; it’s about accuracy, trust, and the consequences of what we say in letters, posts, and brochures. In Georgia, like anywhere else, the law treats written statements differently from spoken ones. For someone in the life insurance field, that distinction isn’t just academic. It can shape how you communicate with clients, protect your reputation, and stay on the right side of regulators.

Defamation: what it is in plain terms

Let’s break down the basics with a simple distinction you’ll hear a lot:

• Libel: defamation that appears in a written form or any published medium.

• Slander: defamation that is spoken.

• Perjury: lying under oath.

• Denial: saying something isn’t true; not a form of defamation by itself.

Here’s the thing: when the words are put into writing or published online, they have a different kind of reach and persistence. A written claim can keep circulating, be shared in newsletters, posted on social feeds, or linger on a webpage. That reach matters. The potential harm can be broader and longer-lasting than a spoken remark that fades away after a day or two.

Which one involves written statements?

If you’re ever faced with a multiple-choice question, the answer is B) Libel. Libel is the defamation that takes a written form—an article, a post, a pamphlet, a policy brochure, or even an email could qualify if it contains a false statement about someone that harms their reputation.

A quick contrast helps solidify the difference:

• Slander = spoken, spoken rumors that taint someone’s reputation.

• Libel = written or published words that do the same.

• Perjury = lying while under oath in a legal proceeding.

• Denial = a claim that something isn’t true, which isn’t, by itself, defamation.

Why libel matters in Georgia life insurance

For agents and agencies, libel isn’t just a hypothetical risk. In Georgia, agents are expected to communicate truthfully, clearly, and without misleading clients or the public. When a written statement about a policy, a client, or a competitor turns out to be false, that’s more than an embarrassment. It can lead to civil liability, regulatory scrutiny, and damage to your professional standing.

Think of it this way: written content has a longer shelf life. A misleading claim about a policy’s benefits, an oversimplified statement about a competitor’s product, or a misrepresented credential in a brochure can reach into many hands, across days and even weeks. That persistence makes accuracy even more critical.

What kinds of situations count as libel in the life-insurance world?

• A printed flyer that claims a policy awards more cash value than it actually does, based on a miscalculation.

• A blog post or social media update that asserts a particular client’s results or experience with a policy in a way that’s false or unverifiable.

• An email to prospective clients that asserts a competitor’s policy is “unreliable” without evidence, implying fault that simply isn’t proven.

• A newsletter piece that attributes a factual error to a person or company, and then repeats it without correction.

In each case, the damage isn’t just to reputations. It can also invite legal risk and draw the attention of regulators who oversee advertising and professional conduct.

The other options—a quick refresher

• Slander: It’s the spoken cousin of libel. If someone makes a false, damaging statement about another person, and it’s conveyed verbally, that’s slander. The harm may be immediate, but it often doesn’t have the same long-tail effect as a written misstatement.

• Perjury: This one is about the courtroom. Lying under oath during a legal proceeding. It’s a serious offense, but it isn’t defamation in the general sense this article is about.

• Denial: Simply stating that something isn’t true. That act isn’t defamation on its own; it’s a response to a claim. It becomes defamation only if the denial itself repeats or propagates a false statement in a misleading way.

Practical takeaways for Georgia life agents

• Verify before you publish: If you’re going to publish anything about a policy, a product, or a client, check your facts. Numbers, terms, and features should line up with the official policy documents and current regulatory guidance.

• Separate opinion from fact: It’s okay to offer opinions, but facts should be clearly labeled and verifiable. When in doubt, use cautious language and cite sources.

• Watch client communications: Email newsletters, client letters, and policy illustrations are all potential libel traps if they contain false statements. A quick internal review can save you trouble later.

• Be mindful of testimonials: Client stories can feel persuasive, but they must be truthful, representative, and not embellished. Avoid implying outcomes that aren’t generalizable.

• Include disclaimers where appropriate: If content could be interpreted in ways you didn’t intend, a simple disclaimer can help clarify that statements are either factual or based on a client’s experience.

A few practical habits that help

• Fact-check culture: Make fact-checking a routine step in your content workflow. A second set of eyes isn’t overkill for anything published publicly.

• Keep records: Retain sources for claims you publish. If a statement was drawn from a policy document, have that document handy for reference.

• Address mistakes quickly: If you discover an error in a published piece, correct it promptly and transparently. A clear correction can mitigate harm and show your commitment to accuracy.

• Use plain language: The clearer your writing, the less room there is for misinterpretation. Simple explanations beat jargon-heavy statements that could be misread.

• Seek guidance when in doubt: If you’re unsure whether something could be interpreted as defamatory, ask a compliance professional or seek a quick review before posting.

Energetic yet careful communication: a balancing act

The life insurance field rewards clear, honest guidance. Clients rely on you to explain benefits, risks, and available options without steering them toward ill-advised conclusions. In that context, defamation protection isn’t about coddling content; it’s about protecting trust. A written statement that’s accurate and well-supported reinforces your credibility. The opposite undermines it.

Let me explain with a simple analogy. Imagine you’re publishing a map to a trusted financial landscape. If the landmarks and distances aren’t right, travelers get misled, and the journey blows up in their faces. The same idea applies to your written communications about policies, premiums, or company practices. Clarity and honesty help clients navigate choices confidently—and that’s the cornerstone of good life-advising practice in Georgia.

A closing thought: content that respects the line between saying and asserting

In the end, the difference between libel and other forms of misstatement isn’t just legal jargon. It’s about how we treat information in a field that’s built on trust and careful math. Written statements have power to inform, persuade, and shape decisions. Used responsibly, that power serves clients and communities well. Used carelessly, it can land you in a legal pickle and damage the relationships you’ve spent so long earning.

If you’re guiding a client through a life policy or answering questions about coverage, remember this: when it’s written, it should be accurate, well-sourced, and clearly labeled as factual or opinion. That practice protects your reputation, your clients, and the integrity of the profession.

If you’d like to explore more about Georgia laws that touch on advertising, consumer protection, and the responsibilities of licensed life agents, there are reliable resources and experienced professionals who can offer guidance. Knowledge, after all, isn’t just power—it’s peace of mind for you and for the people you serve. And that peace of mind starts with words you can stand behind.