What is the main characteristic of slander?

Slander is primarily defined as the act of making a false spoken statement that harms someone's reputation. This involves verbal communication where the false information is conveyed in such a way that it can potentially damage an individual's standing in the eyes of others. For a statement to qualify as slander, it must be untrue and spoken, distinguishing it from libel, which is defamation that occurs through written statements.

In the context of tort law, slander can have significant legal implications, as it directly impacts an individual’s personal and professional life by spreading damaging information. Understanding slander is crucial for nurse executives as they navigate patient confidentiality and professional conduct, ensuring that any spoken communication within their healthcare settings adheres to legal standards and ethical practices.

The other options reflect different concepts that do not align with the legal definition of slander. For instance, written defamation is classified as libel, a true spoken statement cannot be considered slanderous, and a verbal contract pertains to agreements rather than defamation of character. Thus, the correct answer encapsulates the essence of slander by highlighting the requirement of falsehood, speech, and potential harm to reputation.