In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives.
Equally disappointing is the court's ______ one-paragraph dismissal of the claim that criminal ______ creates a chilling effect upon speech. Such proclamations are easy ______ from the high, secure, and insulated bench of the Supreme Court. It is journalists and newspapers, fighting hundreds of ______ cases in court, ______ have to deal with the very real consequences.

criminal _____ creates a chilling effect upon speech.

1. A
   defamating
2. B
   defamation
3. C
   defamate
4. D
   defamations