Legal Question in Legal Ethics in Oklahoma
would i have grounds to sue if i was enquiring to become a police officer with help from a family friend who is a federal agent, and a new police officer who only knows me through playing college football, so not really at all. he hears that i am almost done with my education and was close to becoming a federal agent and he has begun to tell my family friend included that i was the biggest drug dealer that the city has ever seen. i have never been in any real trouble, do i have any grounds for a lawsuit aganist the person who has started the rummer?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Yes, you may be able to file a criminal as well as a civil case if you can prove malice (knowledge that is false) or with reckless disregard.
The information you provided indicate grounds for a libel or slander suite based on defamation of character, an intentional false communication, either published or publically spoken, that injures another's reputation or good name.
Defamation tends to injure a persons reputation; to diminish his/her esteem, respect, goodwill or confidence. It is also used to excite adverse derogatory or unpleasant feelings or opinions against the person so injured. Exposing them to hatred, ridicule or obloquy. The goal is usually to naturally and proximately result in injury to another person.
However, you must prove that the person made these false statements, particularly if they were made againist a public official or public figure or someone who has the potential to be a community or public official.
I hope this helps.
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