Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Arizona

Would I be committing libel or slander

A very good friend of mine has been through numerous (10-12) short-term marriages, and she is only 56 years old. She has a very bad spending problem and has bankrupted many of her former husbands, including repossessions and foreclosures, which is why the marriages are short-term. At first, everything is ok, she doesn't start her excessive spending until she's been in the marriage from

1-2 years - then it goes fast. I have read about ''psychopaths'' and ''sociopaths'' and I see many of those traits in her. Would I be subjected to libel or slander if I warn her current husband about her problem so that he can maybe get her some professional help, or at least protect himself so that she doesn't bankrupt him?


Asked on 1/08/04, 10:44 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Charles Aspinwall Charles S. Aspinwall, J.D., LLC

Re: Would I be committing libel or slander

Truth is a total defense to actions for libel/slander. If you have proof of what you say, you are probably not liable for statements to the husband. My prediction is, however, that your friend will not take it in the spirit you intend, and you will be looking for a new friend shortly after your conversation with the husband.

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Answered on 1/08/04, 11:09 am


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