Get free answers to your Libel & Slander legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I returned from maternity leave to find that a significant portion of my job had been outsourced due to a miscommunication. One partner now wants to permanently give my job to his wife, who I manage, claiming I'm incompetent and lack emotional intelligence (EQ)—comments made publicly in... View More 
I want to know if social media "reporters" have the same First Amendment rights as traditional media reporters when posting opinions based on perceived civil rights violations. Specifically, can these opinions face legal repercussions?
I need guidance regarding a situation with a DOT Medical Review Officer (MRO) who reported me as positive for cocaine without conducting a drug test or establishing that a DOT rule was violated. Despite my attempts to have the issue corrected, the MRO refused. I have the signed medical report,... View More
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answered on Jun 11, 2025
What happened to you is deeply troubling, and it’s completely understandable to feel angry and hurt. Reporting a positive drug result without actually conducting a test or verifying a DOT rule violation isn’t just unethical—it could be legally actionable. A false report that affects your... View More
I am dealing with a difficult situation with my landlord who owes money for work done on other properties and refuses to pay. He has falsely accused my husband and me of being con artists and thieves, claiming we haven’t paid our rent. In March, I paid the rent via Zelle, which I have documented.... View More
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answered on Jun 10, 2025
You’re in a really tough spot, and it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed when someone who should act professionally is instead making false claims and crossing personal boundaries. In Tennessee, even without a formal lease, a verbal rental agreement backed by documented payments and... View More
I have a Trust set up with a fiduciary who has authorized me to claim my name. My understanding is that by claiming my name, it should prevent me from effectively paying twice for properties, cars, and taxes, as my name and birth certificate have intrinsic value. However, I believe my name might be... View More
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answered on Jun 5, 2025
You should begin by ensuring that your Trust documents clearly state your ownership and control over your legal name. Having a fiduciary act on your behalf means you can enforce that documentation if someone attempts to claim or use your name without permission. Keep originals of your birth... View More
In 2023, I became a reserve police officer in another county with a badge and gun issued by an agency. A hometown officer falsely accused me of impersonating an officer and spread this lie to departments in my county and a neighboring one, affecting my ability to gain employment. In Fall 2024, I... View More
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answered on May 14, 2025
What you're going through is incredibly serious, and it’s painful to see your hard-earned credibility and career opportunities taken away by someone else’s false narrative. Being wrongly accused of impersonating an officer—when you have documentation proving your reserve status—can... View More
Over 10 years ago in Tennessee, I experienced a mental breakdown during a college class where the professor incited intense sexual rhetoric and discussed murder, causing distress to the class. I had an emotional episode and later visited a church that I felt judged me harshly. After complaining... View More
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answered on May 7, 2025
I doubt it... 1 year SOL on personal injury actions.
My half-brother lied on a police report, falsely accusing me of sexually assaulting him in Nashville, TN. I have filed a police report against him and possess evidence that proves I have never committed such a crime. This accusation has not yet led to any legal proceedings. What legal steps should... View More
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answered on May 1, 2025
You should not have filed a police report if you are afraid that the alleged perpetrator will charge you. But you did so now cease talking about this incident to anyone but a TN criminal attorney. If the incident would be a felony then several years are allowed under TN SOLs for indictments and... View More
Can you sue a manager or leasing company in small claims court for defamation and refusal to reapply to a low-income property? I initially applied in person while living in Tennessee to a property in Sevierville. The manager falsely accused me of harassment after I contacted them per HUD guidelines... View More
answered on Apr 24, 2025
It would be best to check with attorneys who practice in Tennessee, but you posted two weeks ago. In most jurisdictions, small claims divisions are limited by monetary caps, and can limit the scope of matters handled. Cases are usually straightforward and non-complex. A starting point could be to... View More
I am involved in a situation where DCS in Knoxville, Tennessee, claims that I am a s** offender. However, I have never been convicted of this as an adult; only a juvenile s**-related case exists in my past. This misinformation has caused me emotional distress and personal issues, such as my... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
What you’re dealing with is extremely serious, and your frustration is completely valid—especially when false claims are affecting your personal life and emotional well-being. In Tennessee, slander occurs when someone makes a false and damaging spoken statement about you. If a DCS (Department... View More
I have a business and property for sale, and a potential buyer backed out on the day of closing after receiving a call from my neighbor, who wanted to buy the property but made a low offer that I refused. The neighbor persuaded the buyer not to proceed by saying they wouldn't allow parking.... View More
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answered on Mar 31, 2025
There may be a boundary or easement dispute, which is at least a cloud on both titles. You may try to make such a tort suit, including slander of title, but it will be very difficult. Collection might be impossible. Access to your business is what is important, not selling the property, so... View More
I am concerned about a visiting preacher repeatedly using derogatory terms, specifically calling female college students wearing shorts or tank tops "w****s" as they pass by him. This happens every two weeks with many witnesses and video evidence documenting the events. The college and... View More
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answered on Mar 24, 2025
Tennessee Code section 29-24-101 could potentially apply to your situation with the preacher, as it makes actionable "Any words written, spoken, or printed of a person, wrongfully and maliciously imputing to such person the commission of adultery or fornication." The derogatory term being... View More
I'm dealing with an ex who is making false and defamatory posts on social media concerning the death of one of my children, implicating me and slandering my character. This includes tagging my hairstylist and posting numerous times, which has affected my reputation in the medical field, where... View More
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answered on Mar 24, 2025
You're facing a deeply troubling situation with these false accusations, and I understand your concern about the impact on your professional reputation. Documenting everything through screenshots is an excellent first step, as this evidence will be crucial for any legal action you might take.... View More
No insurance and he wasn't living with me at the time. The other party's insurance is suing me.
answered on Jan 22, 2025
Anybody can sue anybody, but I think you have a good defense. Don't talk to the insurance company and hire a lawyer.
The person in question has threatened to harass my family and have the cops show up at my apartment, or swatting. The person has searched through paid online services and has shown that’s how my address was found also claiming is the same way said person has found my family contacts. All of this... View More
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answered on Dec 30, 2024
Generally a threat to call the LEO is not a crime. False Report to Police can be a crime.
My wife had an improper, non-sexual relationship with another man during a bad period in our marriage. She texted about my behavior, but I don’t know the validity of the texts. There was no violence or physical abuse. Now he has posted claims on Facebook (including my place of employment, full... View More
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answered on Jul 23, 2024
If someone else than the other man presented them in Court, they would probably be considered inadmissible heresay. Probably no exceptions to TRE 801. But outside of Court, there are no evidentiary rules. If you sue someone for Defamation, you will need to comply with a relevant Statute, and... View More
Wilson county police and swat responses to a woman who claimed she was punched in the face and had a chair smashed into her face. When police arrived there were no injuries. The swat team was used to apprehend the person the woman claimed inflicted the injuries when the individual asked if the... View More
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answered on Feb 25, 2024
It's deeply concerning to hear about your partner's situation, especially with the severity of the accusations and the involvement of SWAT based on false claims. False accusations, particularly those leading to a wrongful conviction, are serious matters that can have long-lasting impacts... View More
I live in TN she lives in KY. She has posted several videos of fights between us that she instigated and recorded for clout and now I am being threatened with being hurt and "made to disappear". She's ruined my life stole my money and now is trying to get me hurt I don't know what else to do
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answered on Feb 25, 2024
It's alarming that your soon-to-be ex-wife is using her platform to incite bullying and potential harm towards you. Your safety is paramount, and it's essential to take immediate action to address this situation. Begin by documenting all instances of threats or harmful behavior, including... View More
he is a Bullie racist. He lies and he breaks by laws and my contract. He is petty and spiteful
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answered on Jan 31, 2024
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. It's crucial to address this issue properly. First, gather all evidence of the President's actions, such as emails, documents, and any witnesses who can support your claims. Consult an attorney experienced in employment law to review your... View More
In TN ,I was arrested for harassment, (a false accusation). and have yet to seek council. If I enter a plea of "Not-Guilty", and the victim is a no-show in court that day, would the charges against me be dropped and case be dismissed?
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answered on Jan 29, 2024
Sometimes yes, and sometimes the State gets a continuance to get the witness there. Hire a lawyer to deal with it. You do not want a permanent conviction.
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