Defamation — which takes form in two types, libel and slander — is harm inflicted on another person's character or reputation by another person's actions. In the United States, defamation is a civil wrong, or tort, where individual freedom of speech is limited. These laws are used to stop false and/or offensive statements to harm another person's reputation. Libel, one among two types of defamation, refers to defamation that takes form in print or another seen medium, especially writing. On the other hand, if defamation takes place in spoken words, it is called slander. Generally, however the two types follow the same legal principles of defamation — the information must be published, wrongful, false, and derogatory to be taken to court.