Am I entitled to a written apology from my supervisors?
Full Question:
Answer:
A form of publication (whether in writing or verbal) which tends to cause one to lose the esteem of the community is defamation. This is injury to reputation. A person is liable for the defamation of another. Defamation is a civil action.
In order to prove defamation, the plaintiff must prove: 1) that a statement was made about the plaintiff’s reputation, honesty or integrity that is not true; 2) publication to a third party (i.e., another person hears or reads the statement; and 3) the plaintiff suffers damages as a result of the statement. Slander is a form of defamation that consists of making false oral statements about a person which would damage that person's reputation. If I were to spread a rumor that my neighbor has been in jail and this is not true, I could be held liable for slander. Defamation which occurs by written statements is known as libel.
Consult an attorney in your local area if you have more questions about defamation.
