A local politician has been involved in a motor vehicle collision. Witnesses state that they saw this man leave a bar, and repeatedly stumbled until he got to his vehicle. Then, just two miles down the road, he struck a utility pole head on. On scene and throughout transport, the patient is confused and combative. When you are leaving the hospital, a reporter asks you what happened. You state that it looks as though the politician may be drunk, but you are not sure. Your statement is printed in the newspaper. Later, it is determined that the man was not drunk, but rather has diabetes and had low blood sugar at the time of the accident. Which charge could the politician levy against you?

Slander

Explanation:

A local politician has been involved in a motor vehicle collision. Witnesses state that they saw this man leave a bar, and repeatedly stumbled until he got to his vehicle. Then, just two miles down the road, he struck a utility pole head on. On scene and throughout transport, the patient is confused and combative. When you are leaving the hospital, a reporter asks you what happened. You state that it looks as though the politician may be drunk, but you are not sure. Your statement is printed in the newspaper. Later, it is determined that the man was not drunk, but rather has diabetes and had low blood sugar at the time of the accident. Therefore, the charge that the politician could levy against you is slander. This is a deliberate action that you falsely accuse someone of that could ruin their reputation.