If you've ever read something that you didn't like or thought was bad, you may be wondering if you can sue for defamation of character in Texas. While the law is somewhat vague, Texas is quite strict when it comes to defining "public figures." For example, public figures include law enforcement agents, employees of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and even a court-appointed child psychologist. While the law is quite strict when it comes to public figures, it does not apply to limited private individuals. car wreck lawyers houston texas
Under Texas law, a person may sue for defamation of character if they are the subject of false statements about them. These statements must be made with the intention of damaging the plaintiff's reputation. Some examples are statements that attack a person's professional reputation or imply that they are a criminal or have a sexually transmitted disease. However, a lawsuit can also be filed for defamation of character if a person is falsely accused of committing a crime or a sexual offense.
Although Texas does not recognize retractions as defeating defamation claims, a defendant can still sue if the alleged statements have been made on the internet. A court can require the plaintiff to prove that he or she can show sufficient evidence of the defamation. Defamation of character can be challenging if the plaintiff cannot show that the online speech was aimed at a protected class.
