[Vision2020] Email and Libel

[Bob Hoffmann]

At 06:25 PM 6/24/2003 -0700, Tom Hansen wrote:
>"Libel: Published words or pictures that falsely and maliciously defame a
>person. Libel is published defamation; slander is spoken.
>Defamation: That which tends to injure a persons reputation. Libel is
>published defamation, whereas slander is spoken. "

I'm not a lawyer, but here's my understanding of the matter.

To sustain this charge in court, you must prove:

1. The defendant knew that the statements were false (whereas the defendant 
in this case could probably get off with a credible insanity defense)
2. The statements were believed by the public (no sign of that here), and
3. The statements resulted in some injury, damage, or loss to the maligned 
party (again, no sign of that here).

Of course, to sue, it helps if the defendant has property or income, and is 
not, as is the case at hand, a vagrant.


Bob Hoffmann
820 S. Logan St.
Moscow, ID  83843

Tel: 208 883-0642