Legal Question in Business Law in Illinois

Re: untrue slander

A published untrue statement of fact constitues defamation of character. If the untrue statement is merely verbal, it is slander. If the untrue statement is written, it is libel.

The untrue statement must be one of fact and not mere opinion. If, say, the statement is merely that someone is lazy, that would not likely constitute defamation since the term "lazy" is necessarily one of opinion. If, on the other hand, the false statement is that you stole money from the person making the statement, it could be actionable as the statement is factual in nature.

The same holds true whether the untrue statement of fact is against an individual or a corporation. If the latter, besides a claim for defamation, it is possible that other "business torts" apply.

Please feel free to check out my web site, as my firm concentrates its law practice on precisely these types of business litigation.

-- Kenneth J. Ashman; www.AshmanLawOffices.com; [email protected]

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Re: untrue slander

We are in receipt of your e-mail of 07/28/03. Unfortunately, our caseload at this time is such that we would be unable to devote the attention to your case that it deserves and must decline representation. We sincerely appreciate your interest in our firm.

Re: untrue slander

You are quite right. If an individual is publishing untrue information about an individual with a reckless disregard for the truth this is libel and will make the publisher of this information liable in tort (a lawsuit).

I would be greatly interested in hearing from you regarding this case. Please call my office as soon as possible to provide additional details (312) 236-9906.

Very truly yours,

Thaddeus J. Hunt, Esq.