Does a company have a right to accuse someone...?

[kendrix]

I work for a corporation and the head of the store is accusing my friend of selling drugs to co-workers out of the store. He found out through the grapevine that she had an eye on him. Now, she is watching his lunches and witnessed my friend (the accused) and another co-worker entering their cars and leaving the property (on their break, they went to get lunch somewhere else). The accuser then let it be known she was watching him and was asking why would they leave at the same time.

I understand the boss and where she is coming from. but, is there slander and defamation of character here? Sure, she can watch him liek a hawk in secrecy, but to go around to other employees and accuse him of being a drug dealer , is there any laws here? I know corporations and such are weird, but can anything be done?

[matyas]

Defamation would only be actionable if done for malicious purposes. If the manager has any reason to believe that it is or may be true, then it is not actionable.as defamation. Keep in mind, she doesn't need proof of any such activities in order to make an accusation, and she can legally take reasonable steps, such as informing other workers of suspicious activities or individuals in order to prevent illegal activities occuring on company property.

Your friend will have to consult with a lawyer to determine if the specifics of this case would meet the legal standard for a lawsuit in your local jurisdiction, and if so, if there would be any chance of winning such a case. A contingency lawyer will offer free consultations.

[darvell]

She is slandering his good name and he can sue her for it. Of course he will be so out of a job if he does. Either she has proof of her allegations in which case she should bring charges or she is a whack job and should be locked up herself as she is a very distructive power maniac.