What type of statement is considered slanderous?

Slanderous statements are specifically defined as false spoken assertions that cause harm to an individual's reputation. For a statement to be considered slanderous, it must be spoken rather than written, distinguishing it from libel, which involves written statements. The focus is on the potential damage to a person's character or standing in the community, making it vital for the statement to be untrue and damaging in nature. In legal contexts, slander can lead to a civil lawsuit if the aggrieved party can demonstrate that the statement caused actual harm.

The other types of statements referenced in the options do not fit the criteria for slander. Written misrepresentations fall under libel, while statements of opinion, even if critical, are generally not actionable under defamation law unless they imply false facts. Statements made in a legal context, although potentially damaging, may be protected under certain privileges, such as judicial immunity. Therefore, option C accurately captures the essence of what constitutes slander.