Possible Defamtion/libel/harrassment?

[jorojory]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?Missouri

i'm not for sure where to post this question so please correct me if I am in the wrong place. I received a letter in the mail at my place of employment from a woman that my husband works with. This letter falsely states that he is having an affair with another named coworker. This letter is unsigned but my husband and I believe we know who sent it. This woman is known trouble maker and a couple of months ago he had a conflict with her and she tried to make accusations in the work place that was unfounded. My husband confronted her briefly about the letter and then walked away. (he stated to her that he knew she sent it and that what comes around goes around.) She is now making accusations against him for her safety. (He never implied any harm to her) BTW, his employer is union. Is there a case of defamation/libel/harrassment against her? what would anybody recommend? I really don't want to sue because I know defamation cases are so hard but I really just want her to stop. The letter really upset me when I received it. There is supposed to be meeting next week about all this.

[quincy]

A question about defamation would probably best be posted in the "Libel/Slander/Defamation" section of this forum, by the way.

Without knowing for sure who sent the letter to you, your husband (or the co-worker named in the letter) cannot sue anyone for defamation over its contents (if the accusations made in the letter are, in fact, false).

"I believe we know who sent it" is not good enough for a lawsuit.

Telling someone that "what comes around goes around" could potentially be considered a threat. If there has been some conflict between your husband and this woman in the past, it is possible this woman may have a legitimate fear for her safety (especially if your husband has told this woman he suspects she has revealed private facts about him to you - whether the facts are true or not).

Your husband can wait to see what comes of the meeting next week (and hopefully the matter will all be resolved peacefully then), or your husband can attempt to get a civil harassment order against this woman (to prevent her from further unwanted contact with you or with him), or he could go to an attorney and have the attorney draft a cease-and-desist letter - warning this woman that if she does not stop the harassment, legal action against her may be pursued.

There is little you can do at this point. It would be up to your husband to take any action.


Good luck.