business law CH 5 TERMS

Actionable

Legally sufficient to support a lawsuit.

Actual malice

Knowledge that a statement is false or reckless disregard for the truth.

Appropriation

Using another person's name or likeness for commercial purposes without permission.

Assault

An intentional and unexcused threat of immediate harmful or offensive contact.

Assumption of risk

A defense where the plaintiff knowingly and voluntarily assumed a known risk.

Battery

Intentional and unexcused harmful or offensive physical contact.

Business invitees

People invited onto business property for business purposes.

Business torts

Torts committed in a business context, often involving unfair competition or interference.

Causation in fact

The requirement that the defendant's conduct actually caused the injury.

Comparative negligence

A defense that reduces damages based on the plaintiff's percentage of fault.

Compensatory damages

Damages awarded to compensate the plaintiff for actual losses.

Contributory negligence

A defense that bars recovery if the plaintiff contributed to the injury.

Conversion

Wrongfully taking or retaining another's personal property.

Damages

Monetary compensation awarded to a plaintiff for losses suffered.

Defamation

A false statement that harms a person's reputation.

Defense

A legal reason why a defendant should not be held liable.

Disparagement of property

False statements that harm the value of another's product or property.

Dram shop acts

Laws holding alcohol sellers liable for injuries caused by intoxicated persons.