Can slander be intentional and/or unintentional?

Slander, which refers to making false spoken statements that damage someone's reputation, can indeed be both intentional and unintentional.

When slander is intentional, the speaker knowingly makes a false statement with the aim of harming the reputation of the person being spoken about. This involves a level of malice or recklessness regarding the truth of the statement.

On the other hand, unintentional slander can occur if a person makes a false statement that they believe to be true but which nonetheless damages someone's reputation. This can happen due to misinformation or misunderstanding, where the speaker did not intend to harm but did so through careless communication.

Understanding this dual nature of slander is crucial in legal contexts, as it impacts how cases are evaluated and the necessary evidence to prove intent or negligence. Thus, slander can manifest in either form, making the notion that it can be both intentional and unintentional accurate.