I've been accused of lying and stealing!!!!

MickKnipfler

I am in dispute with a company who for the moment I would prefer not to name (Although here are enough other people upset by them judging by a few other threads.

I am on te verge of taking them to court and know that I have a really stron case.

However, my concern here is that in some of their emails, they are accusing me of lying and stealing. Is there anything I can do about that? Is it libel if it's only in a person to person email?

Dave_Brooker

MickKnipfler wrote: »

I am in dispute with a company who for the moment I would prefer not to name (Although here are enough other people upset by them judging by a few other threads.

I am on te verge of taking them to court and know that I have a really stron case.

However, my concern here is that in some of their emails, they are accusing me of lying and stealing. Is there anything I can do about that? Is it libel if it's only in a person to person email?

That's not libel.

MickKnipfler

Is it only libel if others can read it or something then?

It's certainly an insult

Blacksheep1979

You might get better advice (as well as satisfying my curiosity) if you put up all the details ie what theft, why are you considering legal action etc.

looby75

If anyone puts in writing a direct accusation that they can not back up with proof it is liable.

from dictionary.com

a.defamation by written or printed words, pictures, or in any form other than by spoken words or gestures.
b.the act or crime of publishing it.
c.a formal written declaration or statement, as one containing the allegations of a plaintiff or the grounds of a charge.
2.anything that is defamatory or that maliciously or damagingly misrepresents. –verb (used with object)
3.to publish a libel against.
4.to misrepresent damagingly.
5.to institute suit against by a libel, as in an admiralty court.

HTH.

Dave_Brooker

looby75 wrote: »

If anyone puts in writing a direct accusation that they can not back up with proof it is liable.

You can't be libelled in private correspondence.

It's also worth remembering that libel actions are very costly and risky.

looby75

Dave_Brooker wrote: »

You can be libelled in private correspondence.

It's also worth remembering that libel actions are very costly and risky.

Thats what I said

ben500

MickKnipfler wrote: »

I am in dispute with a company who for the moment I would prefer not to name (Although here are enough other people upset by them judging by a few other threads.

I am on te verge of taking them to court and know that I have a really stron case.

However, my concern here is that in some of their emails, they are accusing me of lying and stealing. Is there anything I can do about that? Is it libel if it's only in a person to person email?

Does this revolve around the use of money off coupons by any chance?

MickKnipfler

no not money off coupons. I'm considering litigation to recover financial loss but that wasn't the reason for my post.

I posted because I'm deeply offended by their accusasions and wondered whether I just have to swallow them or whether there's anyything I could do about them alone.

Dave_Brooker

MickKnipfler wrote: »

no not money off coupons. I'm considering litigation to recover financial loss but that wasn't the reason for my post.

I posted because I'm deeply offended by their accusasions and wondered whether I just have to swallow them or whether there's anyything I could do about them alone.

Go on then, what happened?

ben500

To say libel cases are risky is putting it mildly, you will almost certainly need to provide an up front sum to any firm willing to take on the case and against the mighty T I would expect that sum to be extreme.