Defamation of character and public posts online...

[praeclarus]

Hi, I'm posting about a series of malicious emails and posts aimed at defaming my mother, she has been continually harassed by anonymous emails and even on public forums where the community writes slanderous and defaming things about her. They even post some of her private emails on the forum and are in talks to exclude specifically her in community events! They're actively trying to banish her by saying that any and all productions with the help of her should not be allowed to pass, this has put her in a terrible position. Plus, if brought to attention, this group of people have no problem lying to cover their own butts, and to lay blame on others.


What I really want to know is if there is enough of a case against these attackers, I think there really is not a lot of evidence, but also that I can't leave things just as they are... Thanks for any and all advice in advance.

 

[FlaRiptide]

Slander and defamation must be untruths that are known to be untrue but said with the intent to harm.

1) What financial hardship has been caused to your mother?

2) How do you propose to prove that the emails and posts were made by people who knew what they were posting was untrue? (If they think it is true, even though it may not be, then it is not slanderous)

 

[Michael Wechsler]

There are a couple of different legal theories which can be used but as FlaRiptide raises - what financial damages were caused? If you're talking about defamation, that cause of action requires something false to have been stated that caused financial harm. Was there a lie? Did it cause damages that could have a dollar figure attributed to them? If you're talking about $300, then you can understand that you aren't going to find a lawyer to take your case. But if you're looking for a DA to prosecute... well... unless there is activity that would be a violation of criminal or penal law, then I'm not sure there is a remedy other than to leave the community and let it die out like these things usually do.