Legal Question in Business Law in New Jersey
Opinion but Libel?
Service company has seen a review online describing them as quote ''amateurs''. While this may be an opinion isn't it libel or something else to attack one's livelyhood?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Opinion but Libel?
Truth is an absolute defense to defamation and anyone can have an opinion. Therefore, if a writing is clearly expressed as an opinion, it is hard to see how it can be defamatory.
The subject matter of defamation is only important with respect to what kind of damages have to be shown before a recovery is possible. It would defeat the purpose of free speech if the law were that you only had freedom of speech for unimportant matters.
See also: http://info.corbettlaw.net/lawguru.htm
Re: Opinion but Libel?
I agree with Mr. Corbett. The issue comes down to is this an opinion or are they trying to portray you as someone pretending to be a professional, aka fraud. I haven't seen it but I am sure just about everyone would see it as an opinion and nothing else.
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