Newsletters

Immunity among Members of the Armed Forces

Members of the armed forces are generally immune from liability for tort actions that may be brought by other members of the armed forces. Such type of immunity is referred to as intra-military immunity or the Feres doctrine.

Criminal Conversation with a Spouse

Under the common law, there was a tort for criminal conversation with a spouse. Although most states have enacted statutes that abolished the tort, there are a few states in which a spouse may bring an action against a third party for the tort.

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.

Rules Regarding Driving on the Right Side of a Road and Passing Another Vehicle

A motor vehicle driver is generally required to drive on the right side of a road. However, the driver does not need to drive on the right side of the road when he or she is passing another vehicle, when he or she is making a left turn, when the right side of the road is closed to traffic, or when the road has one-way traffic.

Rules Regarding the Speed of Motor Vehicles

State transportation or vehicle codes regulate the speed of motor vehicles. The codes set forth the maximum speed limits that apply to a particular highway or street. The codes also set forth the general duty of a motor vehicle driver to drive at a safe speed in accordance with the conditions of the highway or street.