Defamation on Jeff and Melissa case study on BBI

This is a paper discussing on the topic defamation on Jeff and Melissa case study on the hiring of Big Bob Builder contractor. The contractor was called to remodel their kitchen.

Defamation on Jeff and Melissa case study on BBI

Discussion: Defamation (Jeff and Melissa case study on BBI)

Discussion Prompt: Analyze the details of the following case and post a response to the question. Jeff and Melissa hire Big Bob Builder (BBB) to remodel their kitchen. About 30 days into the project they run into issues with BBB because BBB is claiming it completed work it did not. Likewise, BBB seems to be overbilling them. Jeff and Melissa refuse to pay BBB one of its applications for payment because the work is incomplete and there are problems with it. BBB accidentally purchases and installs a $24,000.00 door on Jeff and Melissa’s property. But, Jeff and Melissa had only budgeted $2,400.00 for the door. Jeff and Melissa refuse to pay the extra money and BBB refuses to continue doing the work. Jeff and Melissa file a complaint wi‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‍th the Registrar of Contractors (ROC).

It is publicly available. In the Complaint, they claim that BBB defrauded them because they did not know how to do the work properly when they entered into the contract. They also claim that BBB is a bunch of liars and cheaters that over billed it and was trying to rip them off. Jeff and Melissa find out that two other homeowners have filed ROC actions against BBB. They exchange emails with the other owners and tell them about their experiences with BBB, especially BBB’s attempt to overbill and claim money for work not performed. BBB sues Jeff and Melissa for defamation. Does BBB have a case? What defenses can Jeff and Melissa use to defend themselves? Who do you think will win? Note. The above scenario is based on an actual case the instructor has worked on‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‍.