Terms Used In Tennessee Code 56-53-110

  • Actual malice: means knowledge that information is false, or reckless disregard of whether it is false. See Tennessee Code 56-53-101
  • Common law: The legal system that originated in England and is now in use in the United States. It is based on judicial decisions rather than legislative action.
  • Person: means a natural person, company, corporation, unincorporated association, partnership, professional corporation, agency of government and any other entity. See Tennessee Code 56-53-101

In the absence of actual malice, no person furnishing, disclosing or requesting information pursuant to § 56-53-109 shall be subject to civil liability for libel, slander, or any other cause of action arising from the furnishing, disclosing or requesting of the information. No person providing information pursuant to § 56-53-109(a) shall be subject to civil liability for any cause of action arising from the person’s provision of requested information. Any person against whom any action is brought who is found to be immune from liability under this section, shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs from the person or party who brought the action. This section does not abrogate or modify in any way any common law or statutory privilege or immunity heretofore enjoyed by any person.