Can you sue for defamation of character in Tennessee?

Yes, you can sue for defamation of character in Tennessee. Defamation is a civil wrong that occurs when someone makes a false statement about another person that harms their reputation. In Tennessee, defamation can take two forms: slander (spoken defamation) and libel (written defamation).

To win a defamation lawsuit, the plaintiff must prove the following four elements:

1) The defendant made a false statement.

2) The defendant knew the statement was false or made it with reckless disregard for its truth or falsity.

3) The defendant published the statement to a third person.

4) The statement caused harm to the plaintiff's reputation, such as lost income or job opportunities.

The amount of damages that a plaintiff can recover in a defamation lawsuit varies depending on the severity of the harm caused to their reputation. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the defendant for their actions.