Legal Question in Personal Injury in Alabama

Can I prove slander?

A public official with whom I have no contact has made the statement to two other people that I am having an affair with another person. I am a private citizen and am considering bringing slander charges against him, but don't know how to prove in court that it is a false statement. Would character witnesses be enough?


Asked on 2/14/09, 8:43 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

William Pfeifer Pfeifer LLC

Re: Can I prove slander?

You will need to prove that the statements he made were false and that the statements damaged your reputation in the community. There are several different causes of action that you could bring against the official, depending on the specific circumstances of your case. You may have claims against the public official for slander, libel, defamation, harassment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent infliction of emotional distress, invasion of privacy, negligence, and other charges.

I would recommend that you have a consultation with an attorney to discuss the particular facts of your case. Putting together a case like this will require some strategic planning and more detailed advice than you can get over the internet.

Since the person your claim is against is a public official, your biggest challenge may be in finding a lawyer willing to pursue the case. Many will be hesitant to get involved in such a situation.

Our firm handles defamation cases, and we would be willing to review your case. If you would like to discuss your situation further, please feel free to give me a call or send me an email.

Good luck to you.

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Answered on 2/15/09, 6:37 pm
David Hogg David K. Hogg, LLC

Re: Can I prove slander?

You will need the testimony of someone who heard the public official make the statement, unless the public official will admit that he said it.

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Answered on 2/14/09, 10:29 pm


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