What is required for a defamation claim under the "slander per se" category?

For a defamation claim to fall under the "slander per se" category, the statement must involve specific types of allegations that are deemed inherently damaging. These categories typically include false statements about a person's profession or business, alleging that they are incompetent or untrustworthy in their field. This recognition is grounded in the understanding that such statements can cause significant harm to a person's reputation and livelihood without needing to prove specific damages.

In the context of slander per se, if the defamatory statement pertains to a person's business or profession, it is categorized as serious enough that damages are presumed. This is contrasted with other forms of slander where a plaintiff may need to demonstrate actual damages arising from the statement. This presumption simplifies the plaintiff's burden in these specific scenarios, acknowledging the profound impact that false allegations in professional contexts can have.

The other options do not align with the requirements for slander per se. Emotional distress is not a necessary component for this category of defamation; rather, it focuses on the nature of the statement itself and its implications for professional reputation. While damages in slander cases are generally crucial and must be evidenced, slander per se assumes damages exist due to the seriousness of the claims. Moreover, publication to a government official is not