What is the term used for written defamation against another person?

The term for written defamation against another person is libel. Libel refers specifically to defamatory statements that are made in a permanent form, such as in writing or published material. This form of defamation can damage a person's reputation, making it vital for individuals and organizations to understand the implications of written communications.

In contrast, slander pertains to spoken defamation, which is transient and typically not captured in a permanent medium. Fraud involves deception to secure unfair or unlawful gain and does not relate directly to defamation. Malice refers to the intent to harm someone, which may relate to defamation cases but does not specifically define the act of written defamation itself. Thus, libel is the correct terminology for written defamation.