<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by bulldogww:
Ask DA to investigate rumors of land owner providing free trips for zoning inspector in exchange for zoning overlooks. The inspector admitted to DA that he took one free trip but said it was a coincidence as he was going there anyway -- landowner owns part of major airline. The landowner who is a multi-millionaire (I'm lowly paid average secretary) is now going to sue me for libel based on what info I gave the DA. The DA turned over everything because he said it was public record. I didn't know when you made a complaint to the DA it was public record.
Can I be held libel for filing a complaint? I would think if so it would really discourage anyone from reporting suspected crime by our government officials.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
My response:
Most States, one of which being California, hold that a complaint made to an investigatory official, such as a D.A., has "absolute privilege" just for the reason you discuss. No one would complain to an official, if one could be sued for having complained. I think they're blowing hot air at you. And, if they should file a lawsuit against you, such lawsuit would more than likely be thrown out on a "demurrer". Check with an attorney in your neck of the swamp, but I think you'll find this holds true in your State.
IAAL
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