Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Minnesota

Defamation of character and slander

My husband's business (he is sole proprietor) owes soembody money that he borrowed (without written contract, etc--all oral). He does not have the money to pay this man right now. The man has been leaving nasty, rude phone calls on his business phone and also now on our home phone. He is calling my husband a weasel, a cheater, a lyer and other not as nice things (including using much profanity). He has stated that he is going to picket in front of our house and hand out flyers to people saying that my husband owes people money and does not pay them and that my husband is a cheater and a weasel. Is this legal to do and also are his calls considered harrasment and could he be potentially charged with defamation of character and slander if he keeps it up? He has also called me a psycho and has stated things like he feels sorry for our kids and that he is going to go to our neighbors and bad mouth us. I did call him back today and told him to stop the nasty phone calls and to consult an attorney if he wants to proceed to get his money. Should we consult our attorney on this?

Thanks,


Asked on 3/09/06, 7:38 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Richard Gee

Re: Defamation of character and slander

Yes, you should definitely consult an attorney. Harrassment by a creditor may be actionable, depending on your state's laws. Make sure to consult with a Minnesota lawyer.

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Answered on 3/10/06, 12:30 am


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