Legal Question in Constitutional Law in Wisconsin

deframation of character

I would like to know if someone can sue someone for telling other people about them. I had an incident where one of my neighbor kids was abusing my dog, so I warned 3 other neighbors about the situation (they have dogs also) and of the kid's other inapproriate behaviors that I have witnessed. These neighbors also had stories of sitations and encounters with this family that they shared with me. He is now threatening to sue me for Deframation of character because I told my neighbors. Everything I told then was the truth. I did not exacerated or fabricate anything. I feel like this is my right and freedom of speech to warn these neighbors of mine so that they do not get into the same situation. My dog is very afraid now and it is very sad. Just wondering if you can share some advise with me.

Frustrated in WI.


Asked on 7/25/06, 10:11 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: deframation of character

Truthful statements are never defamatory. This won't prevent the neighbor from suing, but it should prevent them from winning if they do.

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Answered on 7/25/06, 3:09 pm


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