CHAPTER SIX

Capable of serving as as the basis of a lawsuit

A condition that exists when a person makes a statement with either knowledge of its falsity or a reckless disregard for the truth. In a defamation suit, a statement made about a public figure normally must be made with actual malice for liability to be incurred.

In tort law, the use by one person of another person's name, likeness, or other identifying characteristic without permission and for the benefit of the user.

Any word or action intended to make another person fearful of immediate physical harm; a reasonably believable threat.

The unprivileged, intentional touching of another

Wrongful interference with the business rights of another.

A money award equivalent to the actual value of injuries or damages sustained by the aggrieved party.

The wrongful taking, using, or retaining possession of personal property that belongs to another.

A tort committed via the internet

Any published or publicly spoken false statement that causes injury to another's good name, reputation, or character.

An economically injurious false statement made about another's product or property. A general term for torts that are more specifically referred to as slander of quality or slander of title.

Any misrepresentation, either by misstatement or omission of material fact, knowingly made with the intention of deceiving another and on which a reasonable person would and does rely to his or her detriment.

A wrongful act knowingly committed

Defamation in writing or other form having the quality of permanence.

In tort law, the ability to act contrary to another person's right without that person's having legal redress for such acts. Privilege may be raised as a defense to defamation.

Individuals that are thrust into the public limelight. Public figures include government officials and politicians, movie stars, well-known businesspersons, and generally anybody who becomes known to the public because of his or her position or activities.

A salesperson's exaggerated claims concerning the quality of goods offered for sale. Such claims include opinions rather than facts and are not considered to be legally binding promises and warranties.

Money damages that may be awarded to the plaintiff to punish the defendant and deter future similar conduct.

Defamation in oral form

The publication of false information about another's product, alleging that it is not what its seller claims

The publication of a statement that denies or casts doubt on another's legal ownership of any property, causing financial loss to that property's owner. Also called trade libel.

Bulk, unsolicited (junk) email

A civil wrong not arising from a breach of contract. A breach of legal duty that proximately causes harm or injury to another.

One who commits a tort

The publication of false information about another's product, alleging it is not what its seller claims; also referred to as slander of quality.

The entry onto, above, or below the surface of land owned by another without the owner's permission or legal authorization.

The unlawful taking or harming of another's personal property; interference with another's right to the exclusive possession of his or her personal property