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Linda7NJ,
In this case, Z doesn't even have to prove Casey actually damaged her reputation-- and her employment status is irrelavent. Accusing someone of a crime of moral turpitude constitutes defamation per say -- meaning, in and of itself. It makes sense-- if you say I'm a liar and I sue you for defamation-- it's reasonable to make me prove that I've actually suffered some harm as a result of your statements. Lots of people lie-- some people lead very successful professional lives through lying/bluffing/obfuscating. What's a lie, exactly? How many lies = too many lies?...
But when someone is labeled as a dangerous kidnapper of young children who are still missing, that's a problem. People don't want to be friends with kidnappers or hire them, or live by them, or let them coach t-ball teams. They don't ask how many kids they've kidnapped or if it was a long time ago...etc. Defamation per say--- doesn't matter if Z has a job or is looking for a job.