Tenaha is a town in Shelby County, Texas, United States- established February 2, 1886. The population was 1,046 at the 2000 census. The town's name is taken from the Caddo language for "Muddy Water". (According to An Informal History of Texas by Frank X. Tolbert, "Tenaha" is the Caddo word for "urine. ") In 2009 Tenaha has become the subject of a class action over allegations that local police regularly made improper seizures of cash, jewelry, and property from African-American or Latino motorists passing through the town. Arrested drivers were given a choice of either going to jail on money-laundering felony charges or handing over all their valuables in order to be allowed to walk free. In one case a couple surrendered $6,000 to keep their children out of child protection services.

What is defamation libel and slander law?

Defamation is any statement, whether written or oral, that injures the good name or reputation of another person. For a statement to be defamatory, it must not be true.

A defamation designed to be read is libel. Libel also may include harmful statements in a fixed medium, especially writing but also a picture, sign, or electronic broadcast.

An oral defamation is slander. Slander is a harmful statement in a transitory form, especially speech.

Answers to defamation libel and slander law issues in Texas

The term defamation refers to a false statement made about someone or some organization that is damaging to their...