What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NY
An author of a true memoir which pertains to private (non-celebrity) persons wants to publish, but wants to make sure the people who appear in her story cannot sue. The story is 100% true but sometimes involves discussion of things where there were no other witnesses and one party is described as potentially mentally ill. Again, that is true, but there is no formal diagnosis.
Truth is a defense, but what steps should the author take in advance to derail a vengeful crazy person who might try to sue anyway?
Steps already taken - changing all the names, even that of the author, and some background facts to hide identity (at least to some extent).
Any thoughts on other steps to take? How do slander/libel/defamation laws effect memoirs that discuss private persons? Any advice?
An author of a true memoir which pertains to private (non-celebrity) persons wants to publish, but wants to make sure the people who appear in her story cannot sue. The story is 100% true but sometimes involves discussion of things where there were no other witnesses and one party is described as potentially mentally ill. Again, that is true, but there is no formal diagnosis.
Truth is a defense, but what steps should the author take in advance to derail a vengeful crazy person who might try to sue anyway?
Steps already taken - changing all the names, even that of the author, and some background facts to hide identity (at least to some extent).
Any thoughts on other steps to take? How do slander/libel/defamation laws effect memoirs that discuss private persons? Any advice?