Damages are presumed for defamation in which categories?

• A. Libel per se and Slander per se
• B. Libel pro quod and Slander not per se
• C. Libel per se only
• D. Slander per se only

Answer: (A)

Damages are presumed when the statement is defamatory per se, meaning it is inherently harmful to the person’s reputation. In defamation law, libel per se (written statements) and slander per se (spoken statements) fall into this category. Because these statements are inherently damaging—such as imputing a crime, a loathsome disease, or professional incompetence—the law allows recovery of general damages without needing to prove actual monetary loss. By contrast, statements not per se (per quod or not per se) require proof of actual damages suffered. So the categories with presumptive damages are libel per se and slander per se.