If someone has evidence or information on illegal business practices and they tell the person "If you don't do x,y or z, I'll report a,b or c to the proper authorities..", is that considered extortion or libel?
2006-08-02 06:06:01 · 8 answers · asked by Furibundus 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
it is extortion, because by not reporting the crime you are also becoming an accessory to the crime who is profiting from its over-up.
So not only are you an extortionist, but you are also an accessory to the crime, if it is an ongoing criminal enterprise. if it is an isolated criminal event, then it is extortion.
2006-08-02 06:11:56 · answer #1 · answered by lundstroms2004 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is only libel if the information is not true. Extortion is another matter - it would be better to report the information to the proper authorities and let them handle it!@
2006-08-02 06:14:30 · answer #2 · answered by nswblue 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, if the situation was "correct x, y and z or I'll report you" then it probably wouldn't be extortion. Libel is the publishing of an untruth (in layman's terms). Depending on the situation, it's also blackmail.
2006-08-02 11:29:25 · answer #3 · answered by michattorney 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is extortion but not libel. Whenever you issue an ultimatum to someone, it is extortion. However, if you simply report the wrong (which you SHOULD do anyway) it is not wrong. Why wouldn't you report this alleged infraction?
2006-08-02 06:43:32 · answer #4 · answered by Goose&Tonic 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That would be extortion. Libel is lying or making up stories about a person or company.
2006-08-02 06:09:54 · answer #5 · answered by cool_breeze_2444 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It actually would depend on the context. If you are attempting to use this threat to profit in some way, then it is extortion. If you are telling them what they are doing is illegal, in regards to a business transaction you've already had with them, for the sole purpose of attempting to get them to rectify the situation, then you are totally within your legal rights.
2006-08-02 06:12:03 · answer #6 · answered by baldninja2004 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
From the "gmara":
If the xy or z are things you tell him to do in order to fix his way and go honest it is not extortion.
If the xy and z are things like "pay me to stay quiet" it is extortion.
Then if the things he did caused harm to others (death, loss of money...) you must report him or must make sure the third party knows.
2006-08-02 06:12:04 · answer #7 · answered by Naim 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
extortion
2006-08-02 06:52:37 · answer #8 · answered by Jenny A 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋