Which statement describes the general rule for slander?

• A. The victim must prove actual monetary loss for action unless it is slander per se.
• B. Slander always requires proof of mental distress.
• C. Slander per se requires proof of monetary loss.
• D. Slander is never actionable.

Answer: (A)

Damages for defamation depend on whether the statement is ordinary slander or slander per se. For an ordinary spoken defamation claim, the plaintiff generally must prove actual monetary loss or special damages caused by the false statement. When a statement is slander per se, damages are presumed, so the plaintiff does not have to show financial loss. The statement in question reflects this rule: the victim must prove actual monetary loss for an ordinary slander action unless it is slander per se.

Mental distress is not the sole or universal basis for liability in slander, and slander per se does not require proof of monetary loss—quite the opposite, it allows recovery without proving financial harm. Also, defamation can be actionable; it is not “never actionable.” In practical terms, a false accusation implying a crime or a loathsome trait would typically be slander per se, triggering presumed damages.