Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Pennsylvania

teacher's home address and personal info disclosed on internet

I am a public school teacher, and a person who claims to be a fellow employee of my school district posted my home address, telephone, private email address, and spouse's name along with false content aimed to defame me professionally to the internet in a public Google group and to a listserv that has over 100 subscribers. The person is hiding behind an email alias and foreign email server to conceal their identity.

Is the act of posting such private information to the internet without an individual's consent illegal in my state? Can I pursue criminal action, or civil? The person's email provider has stated that they require a subpoena or court order to reveal the person's identity; do I have grounds to get one?


Asked on 8/08/04, 10:04 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Re: teacher's home address and personal info disclosed on internet

Defamatory statements relating to one's profession or business is classic 'per say' defamation. If you need a subpoena, you must first file suit. You will most likely need an atty for this, unless you are capable of handling this yourself, and if you are asking the question here, I assume you need to hire an atty.

Next, what are your damages? this depends upon a LOT of factors. What was said? Wnat was the appearant intent of the posting? Has there been any actual impact from the posting? etc., etc.

I would think you would at least be able to get your legal fees back. If you can ID the person, and they intended to cause you harm, and you experienced harm, you could possibly get a hefty damages award, plus your costs and fees.

Good luck.

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Answered on 8/10/04, 11:14 am
J. Bryan Tuk Mandracchia & Modesti, LLC

Re: teacher's home address and personal info disclosed on internet

To obtain a subpoena, you would have to initiate a lawsuit, as that would be the only way the court could properly exercise power to compel the internet service provider to disclose the identity of the author of the post you describe.

It sounds that your main cause of action would be for libel and/or slander, but that determination depends on the content of the post itself and what statements were published about you.

Please call to discuss. (610) 584-0700.

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Answered on 8/09/04, 10:55 am


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