CompuServe Messages

Steve, > Your assertion that the other party attempted to sell stolen property is libel. That's not necessarily the case. It's only libel if the statement is false. Truth is a defense in a defamation action. If a person utters (slander) or writes (libel) a FALSE statement, AND the statement is HEARD or PUBLISHED, and the statement DAMAGES THE REPUTATION of a person in the eyes of those who have heard or read the statement, then the statement is either slander or libel. All three elements must be present for a defamation cause of action. (Falsehood, Publication, and Damages). So if Conrad's statement is true, then his statement is not libelous even if it damages the buyer's reputation. Dom Fontana –> Sent from NY via AP <–