Legal Question in Technology Law in New Jersey

Re: Publishing Emails (and letters)

Before you publish, you should consider the privacy rights of your paramour. There are limits on free speech and one of them is the obligation not to disclose information of a private or personal nature in which the recipient has no legitimate interest. Changing the name may not be enough. If these letters are attributable to their source, you may get an objection nonetheless. It's a risk and you should get a legal opinion on exactly what you propose before you go too far with your project.

BTW, the same issue sometimes comes up when a relationship has ended badly and one half wants to embarrass the other by publishing personal facts and sometimes revealing photos. Knowing only the part of the law pertaining to libel, the person publishes this information (usually on the Internet) under the misconception that it is "true" and therefore protected free speech. They are surprised to learn that the law of privacy also provides a cause of action.

The safest course of action would be to tell your paramour what you intend and get permission.

See also: http://info.corbettlaw.net/lawguru.htm