Re: defamation of character

More | Report Post

Based on the facts you've provided, it sounds like you may
have a case of slander per se. Slander per se is a special
kind of defamation where the defamatory statement is about
one of the following subjects: 1) a business or profession;
2) a loathesome disease, such as gonorrhea; 3) the unchastity
of a women (probably not in your case); or 4) a crime
involving moral turpitude, such as assault or theft. Your son
may be able to assert a claim based on the fourth prong.

Under plain slander or libel, the plaintiff must prove actual
damage to his/her reputation. Under slander per se, no
special/actual damages are required.

Here are the other requirements: 1) a defamatory statement;
2) of or about your son (plaintiff); 3) that is published to
another person either written (libel) or spoken (slander).
Publication means the neighbor told someone else.

These are the basics. Please consult an attorney in your
locality for further assistance.

Good luck!

On 7/26/08, d wrote:
> We have a neighbor that is know for blaming everyone
> else's kids for things that happen in the neighborhood.
> Recently he is slandering my 17 year old son's name by
> accusing him of stealing and arson. I've spoken to our
> chief of the fire dept. and he suggusted filing a
> complaint. This could ruin my sons reputation even though
> this man is known for spreading lies in the neighborhood.
> What legal actions can I take?