defamation libel maryland slander
I&#39;m being defamed on Facebook. Do I have a legal case?
<p>I live in Maryland.</p>

<p>Over the past few months there is a guy on Facebook who has been openly lying about me.</p>

<p>He has repeatedly said that I have made threats against him, I have not.
He has repeatedly said that I am friends with Louis Farakhan, I have never had any contact with LK.
He said that I'm a supporter of Hamas and Hezbollah, I have never supported them in any way shape or form.</p>

<p>I have screenshots and evidence of all these false statements about me.
I know where this person lives (near me in Maryland). Do I have a legal case to sue for defamation and is it likely I would be awarded any significant damages?</p>

<p>So Maryland is a Defimation <em>Per Se</em> state, and lists accusations of moral turpitude, criminal conduct, or fraud.   I would say on the second statement about offering support ot Hamas and/or Hezbollah, which are considered terrorist organizations.   Being buddies with Louis Farakhan's buddy is likely not a <em>Per Se</em> defamatory statement but a <em>Per Quod</em> meaning you would have to prove damages from this false assertion.  Remember that just because you disagree with his political positions does not mean you aren't capable of sitting down with him for a friendly happy hour debate over politics.  Lots of people have good friends who they debate politics with and will still be friendly with.</p>

<p>I would make certain that you go through your history of statements on social media and in public to make certain you don't have anything that can be construed as supporting political beliefs that these organizations support (even if you don't support those organization's methods of obtaining their political goal).  Do not limit yourself to just material support (donating things of value to them).   I'm not for the purposes of this answer going to comment on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict,  but if your political opinions on the matter are in favor of Palestine, the statements above, while hyperbolic, are not totally out of line and thus defamitory, since all of the accused associations against you are also big names in pro-Palestine support circles.  Try to also look for any statements where, unprompted, you are critical of the statements of the three false associations.</p>

<p>As always, you should discuss specifics with a lawyer specializing in this matter.  Most firms will offer a consultation for free so you can discuss the case and the specifics and get advice as to what you should do.  I do not think you will be awarded much beyond basic actual damages and legal fees from the guy, since the statements have not caused you any damages such as loss of job or becoming a target of government investigation by law enforcement agencies.</p>
