Does my friend have a case for Slander and Defamation in the workplace?

Question

He works for a state agency. One of his relatives is spreading lies about him at work(they work in the same department). THis all started with some personal issues they were having and she moved it to the workplace. She is saying that he is cheating on his wife with his boss, which they are not, that was proven to be not true, but she says it anyway, and is saying he is doing some horrible things outside of work like shooting dogs and dealing drugs, which Trust me, he is not doing either. She is doing this all because they are neighbors and he hunts and she is an animal activist. This is ruining his life and bringing him down and his whole family down emotionally. Does he have a case at at all?

Answer 1

I'm shocked that they were allowed to be in the same department in the first place - for this very reason.  I never hired relatives as a manager - EVER.  Even if they were close, all it would take was one falling out for this to happen.

But yes, there is a case for harrassment.  Your friend should contact Human Resources to open a formal investigation.

Answer 2

What are the "damages"? Regardless if you have a case or not you must incur damages to sue.