Which tort involves an unlawful act that causes harm to another person's reputation?

Defamation is a tort that specifically addresses the issue of harm to a person's reputation through unlawful acts. It encompasses false statements made about an individual that damage their character, standing, or reputation within the community. Defamation can occur in two forms: libel, which pertains to written or published statements, and slander, which refers to spoken statements.

The essence of defamation lies in the impact that false information can have on an individual's public image and the subsequent consequences they may face as a result, such as loss of job opportunities, social ostracism, or emotional distress. Legal remedies for defamation typically include the right to sue for damages, thereby holding the offending party accountable for their actions.

Understanding the difference between defamation and other torts helps clarify why it is the appropriate response to this question. For example, nuisance pertains to actions that interfere with an individual's use or enjoyment of their property, while negligence involves a failure to exercise reasonable care resulting in harm to another person. Trespass relates to unlawful entry onto someone else's property. None of these options address the specific issue of reputational harm, which is the core focus of defamation.