Federal Tort Claims Act -- Overview

Under the doctrine of sovereign immunity, the federal government cannot be sued without its permission. The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) is a federal law that waives the federal government's sovereign immunity under certain circumstances.

Defamation of a Public Figure

A lawsuit for defamation has the following basic elements: (1) making a false statement; (2) about a person; (3) to others; and (4) actual damages (if the harm to the person is not apparent). There is a fifth element when the person is a public official or public figure. In such a case, the person who made the statement has to have made it with a known or reckless disregard of the truth. This article discusses the fifth element for defamation of a public official or public figure.

Motor Vehicle Rules

Rules regarding the operation of motor vehicles on a state's highways are generally set forth in the state's vehicle code or transportation code. These rules often determine whether a defendant is liable for a motor vehicle accident.

Federal Jurisdiction in Recreational Boating Accidents

When a recreational boating accident occurs, the first determination that must be made is whether a federal court or a state court has jurisdiction over a lawsuit that is filed with regard to the accident.

Recovery by Guest in Automobile Cases

A "guest" in an automobile is a person who rides in an automobile driven by another person for his own pleasure or business without paying the driver or conferring any benefit on him. If the guest is injured while riding in the driver's automobile, he may be permitted to recover for any injuries that he suffers. His recovery will depend on whether or not a "guest statute" applies in the jurisdiction.