How would you sue a newspaper in tn?

Question

the newspaper released my 16 year old son name in the paper his address age and name he was in a accident that killed his girlfriend we had to move i thought if you are a juvenile their was supposed to be confidential well her parents gave her the car they had no liancenes or permits or ins the parent made a bad choice that is the reason parents need to be parents but the the news paper was wrong they should have not put that kids name in the paper and spreading the news he is the only juvenile name i have seen in the newspaper that is johnson city tn

Answer 1

Sorry for your horrible situation, but the newspaper is allowed to print his name under this law:

Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-153 (1999): Juvenile court records are closed to the public, except in cases regarding traffic offenses. Furthermore, petitions and orders regarding juveniles are open to the public if the juvenile is at least 14 years old and charged with a violent offense that would be a felony if committed by an adult, such as first degree murder, second degree murder, rape, aggravated rape, aggravated robbery, kidnapping or aggravated kidnapping.

Answer 2

If you're going to sue the newspaper it's best to get an attorney.  If you have a legitimate case, he will take the case for one third of the amount or the award and you don't have to pay anything up front.  However, from the little bit of information you gave, I suspect that there is more to the story that allows the newspaper to print his name, etc..   Also, newspapers are very aware of what they can legally print and not print.  I wouldn't get my hopes up that you have a case.

Answer 3

contact a lawyer