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Tennessee Libel & Slander Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Civil Litigation, Libel & Slander, Contracts and Personal Injury for Tennessee on
Q: Does neighbor's interference with property sale constitute tortious interference?

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

Anthony M. Avery
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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

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1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander for Tennessee on
Q: My spouse sent messages to another man about my behavior. He has posted maliciously about me. Are those texts heresay?

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

Anthony M. Avery
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence, Federal Crimes, Libel & Slander and Personal Injury for Tennessee on
Q: I have concerns about my partner being swatted by his now ex wife. False claims of violence lead to felony charges.

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Federal Crimes, Civil Rights, Internet Law and Libel & Slander for Tennessee on
Q: My soon to be exwife is a tiktok influencer and is inciting her followers to bully and possibly harm me. What can i do?

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Communications Law, Internet Law, Libel & Slander and Employment Law for Tennessee on
Q: a president of the hoa fired me and now is slandering my name and holding my pay

he is a Bullie racist. He lies and he breaks by laws and my contract. He is petty and spiteful

James L. Arrasmith
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Libel & Slander and Small Claims for Tennessee on
Q: If someone threatens or says they can obtain private information from the FBI about me, could I press charges on them.

I was at their house and she told me she could obtain private information on me. It was verbally said. I was not the only one who heard this as well. I have 2 other witnesses.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 4, 2024

If someone threatens to obtain private information about you from the FBI, this situation raises concerns, but whether you can press charges depends on the specifics of the incident. In general, making a threat to obtain and possibly use private information can be seen as intimidating or harassing... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims, Libel & Slander, Civil Rights and Personal Injury for Tennessee on
Q: Suing for defamation in a TN property rental dispute

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

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2025

Yes, you can file a defamation claim in small claims court in Tennessee if you believe the property manager made false and damaging statements about you—such as accusing you of harassment without basis. Defamation requires that the false statement was made to a third party, caused harm to your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander, Juvenile Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Personal Injury for Tennessee on
Q: Can I sue DCS in Tennessee for slander due to false s** offender claims?

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander and Civil Rights for Tennessee on
Q: How to address social media defamation affecting my career?

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Libel & Slander for Tennessee on
Q: Can TN section 29-24-101 apply to suing for derogatory terms?

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Libel & Slander for Tennessee on
Q: Do I have to pay? Being sued because my son wrecked a truck that was registered and given to him by his grandfather

No insurance and he wasn't living with me at the time. The other party's insurance is suing me.

Mr. Kent Thomas Jones
Mr. Kent Thomas Jones
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.

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Internet Law and Libel & Slander for Tennessee on
Q: is it illegal to threaten to falsely call the cops on an innocent citizen when a crime hasn’t occurred.

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

Anthony M. Avery
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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.

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1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander, Criminal Law and Civil Litigation for Tennessee on
Q: In TN, If the "victim" of harassment is a no- show in court and Defendant pleads, "Not-Guilty", would case be dismissed?

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?

Anthony M. Avery
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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.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Employment Law and Libel & Slander for Tennessee on
Q: What to do when you are harassed by Asset Protection,

I work for a company called Spark. It is the delivery company for Walmart. We are owned and operated by Walmart. There is a specific store that I work at that I am being harassed by one particular AP employee. She is telling the front end of the store that I am stealing. Which of course is not... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 9, 2023

In dealing with accusations from an Asset Protection (AP) employee, you should first document all incidents, including dates, times, and witnesses. It may be helpful to formally report the harassment to your direct supervisor or the human resources department, following your company’s procedures... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Libel & Slander for Tennessee on
Q: Can I sue my ex for sharing personal text to someone without my consent?

The text was about a sti I had and she got from me before getting it treated from medical, after the break it effected her, and because she felt threaten that a guy she was talking to is friends with me so she felt like I had told him about our personal information, because of that she showed the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 9, 2023

If your ex shared private text messages about your medical condition without your consent, you may have grounds for a legal claim based on a breach of privacy or intentional infliction of emotional distress. Privacy laws vary by state, but some jurisdictions recognize the disclosure of private... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Libel & Slander for Tennessee on
Q: I live in union county Tennessee I am 41 terminally ill and physically disabled!!! The Americans with DISABILITY ACT OF

1973 has been broken against me so many times in fact this is my fifth bugged iPhone please help me I have had 4 make officers come in my property I own bought paid for as well as my home and never dispatched a female no warrant and slam me to the floor and drag me out naked and to jail like this... View More

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answered on Nov 5, 2023

If your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1973 have been violated, you may have grounds for legal action. Documenting each incident with as much detail as possible, including dates, times, and officers involved, is crucial. It is advisable to contact a civil rights attorney who... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Libel & Slander, Civil Rights and Employment Discrimination for Tennessee on
Q: In 2020, I was wrongfully arrested for an attempted second degree murder, and i haven't been able to get a job since.

I wasn't connected to the attack but the victim was my best friend. They had put out a warrant for my arrest and put me on the news as armed and dangerous when their evidence wasn't solid at all. All charges we dropped but only after I bonded myself out and provided video evidence proving... View More

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answered on Oct 17, 2023

The SOL for such civil rights/GTLA actions has been extended a little in TN. You did not state the date the prosecution was dismissed. If you want to pursue this, you will need to get in gear fast, and the SOL may have already run. If indicted, most Courts find probable cause for the arrest.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Domestic Violence, Internet Law and Libel & Slander for Tennessee on
Q: Is it possible to have an abusive ex boyfriend's name removed from the deed to the home we both own?

I fled the relationship almost 4 years ago. I was followed, though. I was too afraid to live alone. Thankfully, i had many friends who offered me a safe place. Safe until my ex discovered where I was staying. Once he knew, he terrorized my friends until either I left, or was asked to leave. If my... View More

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Aug 16, 2023

It is possible. It is not easy or inexpensive but it is possible and may result in a sale of the property. In Ohio it is a remedy called partition. Partition cases in Tennessee refer to legal proceedings which allow joint owners of real estate to divide their interests in the property. In other... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Libel & Slander for Tennessee on
Q: How long can TN hold you with no indictment or conviction on a A class felony offense?

They are innocent being prosecuted in a racist hick town with little evidence and bad sources so any loop holes to avoid my family dying a martyr would be ever so helpful

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Aug 7, 2023

Indictment for an A Felony usually garners a large Bond. If not made, defendant stays in jail until trial. Defendant needs an attorney to move to reduce Bond. Sometimes special Bond Conditions can be ordered besides just cash.

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander for Tennessee on
Q: My daughter passed away,I wrote the obituary the one I wrote was not what was published,the funeral home changed it.

I called the newspaper I had them change it,I found out a few days ago my ex sister inlaw had called and had it changed, I'm listed as birth mother and her mother, her and the funeral person are friends. I signed all paperwork and I paid for cremation. The ex sister in law has no legal rights... View More

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answered on Jun 30, 2023

If you threaten a libel action in TN, you must give them a chance to publish the correct written statement. Politely in writing demand that the correct Obituary be published, otherwise a libel suit will be filed. I doubt you have enough damages to sue, but make the demand anyway. If you... View More

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