Which type of defamation involves written statements?

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.