..sent a letter to my old landlord who stole my money that said something like, "YOU ARE THE BIGGEST A**HOLE EVER" with no mention of physical harm? Would it be ok to express that opinion?
Could I go to jail for that?
2007-05-16 12:37:00 · 9 answers · asked by donna p. 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Chris, what is libel?
2007-05-16 12:41:08 · update #1
've been to court before and it's a lot of stress, so I want to avoid it. I know it sounds petty, but this woman is a deceitful person who always talks about how giving she is. I know saying something like that will hurt her, and I think it would be worth my $700!
If she gets upset enough or remembers this incident, maybe she'll understand or change.
I just feel HAD and this will make me feel better!
2007-05-16 13:11:07 · update #2
Absolutely...he has it coming!
2007-05-16 12:40:15 · answer #1 · answered by 452 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's fine. An insult is protected speech, provided that you don't venture into libel. "You are the biggest a**hole ever!" would be legal.
Edit in Response to Original Poster's Follow-Up Question:
Libel is a written statement that makes a false claim that could harm the reputation of your old landlord. For example, if you called him a thief, that would be libel.
2007-05-16 19:40:40 · answer #2 · answered by chris 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably not, except if he wants to make a case out of it, he can. Remember, you can say anything you want, but he also has the right to claim he "feels" threatened. Although eventually, you will likely be cleared, he can make your life miserable.
Either way, what you propose doesn't accomplish anything. If you believe he stole your money and you can prove it, why not take him to a small claims court? It only cost about 50 dollars and your time.
2007-05-16 19:48:09 · answer #3 · answered by tkquestion 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so. I mean if you could go to jail for that then so many people would be in jail for that. Plus that is not a threat it is just an opinion. A threat would be "you're a dead man!".
2007-05-16 19:41:14 · answer #4 · answered by dy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Slanderous statement you might get sued, for defamation of character its better you just call and express yourself instead of making a statement on paper that would be incriminating against you
2007-05-16 19:44:36 · answer #5 · answered by Mary O 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope that's not a threat. But, don't be seen hanging around his house or anything after that
2007-05-16 19:41:27 · answer #6 · answered by All hat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No you can't go to jail for that. But, it would have more meaning if you did it to his face.
2007-05-16 19:40:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
send him a used condom. That will get you lawls.
2007-05-16 19:43:40 · answer #8 · answered by PVT. Carolyn Scheidt 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
remeber FREEDOM OF SPEECH!!!
2007-05-16 19:42:48 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋