Newsletters
Tort Action for Interference with a Right to Vote or to Hold Office
Under the common law, a person commits a tort when he or she intentionally deprives another person of his or her right to vote or of his or her right to hold office. A person also commits a tort when he or she seriously interferes with the other person's right to vote or to hold office. A person who commits this tort is liable to the other person for damages.
Claims against the Government
Under the legal doctrine of sovereign immunity, the government cannot be sued without its permission. Sovereign immunity protects the federal government, state and local governments, and government agencies from personal injury lawsuits. However, most governments (including the federal government) have passed laws that waive their sovereign immunity under certain circumstances.
Invasion of Privacy--Statutory Actions
The law provides everyone with some basic rights to privacy. Privacy is the general right to be left alone and free from unwanted publicity. Unreasonable invasion of one's privacy can cause harm.
Federal Teacher Protection Act -- Preemption of State Law
The federal Teacher Protection Act (TPA) preempts state laws to the extent that such laws are inconsistent with the provisions of the TPA. However, the TPA does not preempt state laws that provide additional protection from liability to school employees.
The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act - Death Benefits
If a maritime employee's death was caused by a work related injury, the employee's widow, widower, or other eligible survivor may recover death benefits under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The widow, widower, or survivor may also recover funeral expenses of up to $3,000.
