Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Pennsylvania

Re: Can I be sued for libel or slander?

You asked if you would be liable for slander where you had written an anonymous blog.

The question is whether you knowingly 1) published material that was 2) false and 3) defamatory. Just because a publication seems anonymous does not mean it is. While people who don't know about the publisher may be unaware of the parties anyone who is aware of the parties may have enough information to imputed the defamatory information to the proper parties.

Further, the information must be false. An absolute defense to any defamation claims is the truth of the material. Another defense is that the material is couched solely as opinion, though this is more difficult to establish.

That the material is defamatory is also a requirement. Defamatory is a rather tough standard and must harm the person's character or reputation.

No attorney can really answer your question without looking at the matter thoroughly. But because you expect to be associated with the folks the rest of your life you need to start sucking up real quickly. There is a great rule about writing in cyber-space that also applies to hard copy "Don't write anything that your mother wouldn't be proud to tape up to her refridgerator."

Good luck and regards,

Roger Traversa

Re: Can I be sued for libel or slander?

Atty. Traversa is correct on the law, but there is also another tort called 'intrusion upon seclusion' which does not require the information published to be false that also must be considered.

In addition, no attorney can answer the question completely without seeng what was written and also knowing what the absolute truth is.

You should share all of this with an attorney in order to evaluate your position.