The term defamation has been in the news and on social media a lot lately. However, you might not understand exactly what it means. According to Middle Tennessee State University's The First Amendment Encyclopedia, defamation refers to a false written or spoken...
3 criteria required to prove a defamation claim
Defamation is a false statement that someone makes about you that damages your reputation. Protections of free speech under the First Amendment do not apply to defamatory statements. There are two different types of defamation: libel and slander. Libel refers to...
How can defamation occur on social media?
On the internet, a lot of people feel free to say anything they want. While you may feel like there is more freedom online, the reality is that you can still face the consequences of what you post on social media. According to U.S. News, libel and slander can occur on...
Employer liability for harassment
Pervasive, severe harassment in the workplace can create a hostile work environment, i.e., one that a reasonable person considers abusive or intimidating. Harassment involves unwelcome conduct with a basis in a protected status of the employee. Protected statuses...
4 things you must prove in a New York slip-and-fall case
When someone else’s actions cause you to fall and suffer a serious injury in New York, you may look to the negligent party to help cover your medical and other expenses as you recover. Proving fault in a slip-and-fall case requires you to show that several specific...
What is the distinction between independent contractors and employees?
Employee misclassification can lead to serious legal issues. Classifying an employee as an independent contractor means the employee misses out on benefits and other perks. The New York Department of Labor explains misclassifying workers is something you can avoid by...
What is false arrest?
When an officer places you under arrest, you usually are quite aware of the reason why. In most cases, even if you do not completely understand the reason, the officer has a legal right to place you under arrest. In some situations, though, the officer may lack the...
What missteps contribute to a hostile work environment?
Working in a hostile environment can affect your productivity and threaten both your personal and professional success. Furthermore, you may feel threatened and face concerns about your safety and well-being. Understanding the conditions that contribute to a hostile...
What is defamation?
When it comes to defamation cases, there is a thin line between others' right to free speech and the right to preserve your reputation from lying people. If you sustain injuries due to someone else's remarks, you may be able to seek compensation under a defamation...