True or False: A statement must be damaging to a person's reputation to be considered libelous.

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The correct interpretation regarding libel is that a statement must indeed be damaging to a person's reputation to be considered libelous. Libel is a form of defamation that specifically involves written statements that falsely harm someone's reputation. The essence of libel lies in its potential to harm, which is foundational to how courts assess cases of defamation. If a statement doesn't cause reputational damage, it would typically not meet the legal criteria for libel.

The focus is on the damage caused; hence, the requirement aligns with the legal standards that seek to protect individuals from false statements that can detrimentally affect their lives and careers. This understanding is crucial for recognizing the boundaries of free speech and the protections offered to individuals against defamatory statements.