The Missouri Bar

Law in Your Life #69: Libel and Defamation of Character

Every day, mean-spirited comments are posted on blogs, Web sites and in comment sections at newspaper online communities. Some are hurtful, others downright rude, but what types of comments can lead to a lawsuit?

Law in Your Life host Angela Wilson finds out from attorney Joe Martineau, who authored the Libel chapter of the Missouri Media Law Handbook, second edition, published by The Missouri Bar.

Are public officials held to different libel standards than Joe Public?

What types of evidence do you need to prove defamation of character?

What types of situations do people consider libelous, but really don't meet the legal standard?

Listen to the full interview with Joe Martineau below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 8.8 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

What types of evidence do you need to prove defamation of character?

What types of situations do people consider libelous, but really don't meet the legal standard?

Listen to the full interview with Joe Martineau below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 8.8 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

What types of situations do people consider libelous, but really don't meet the legal standard?

Listen to the full interview with Joe Martineau below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 8.8 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Listen to the full interview with Joe Martineau below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 8.8 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 8.8 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Law in Your Life #68: Selection of Missouri Judges

Missouri lawmakers are considering a proposal to change the way Missouri judges are selected. Law in Your Life host Angela Wilson finds out about Joint Resolution 10 from Missouri Bar President Tom Burke.

How would HJR10 change how judges are selected under the Nonpartisan Court Plan?

What are the consequences if approved?

How is a joint resolution different from a bill?

Listen to the full interview with Tom Burke below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 7.3 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

What are the consequences if approved?

How is a joint resolution different from a bill?

Listen to the full interview with Tom Burke below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 7.3 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

How is a joint resolution different from a bill?

Listen to the full interview with Tom Burke below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 7.3 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Listen to the full interview with Tom Burke below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 7.3 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 7.3 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Law in Your Life #67: Mini Law School

Need to get basic legal information but don't know where to turn? The Mini Law School just might be for you. Today Nancy Mogab talks to Law in Your Life host Angela Wilson about the affordable public school, its courses and more.

What do you hope the public learns from the mini law school experience?

What topics will be discussed?

When is it and how much does it cost?

Listen to the full interview with Nancy Mogab below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 4.5 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

What topics will be discussed?

When is it and how much does it cost?

Listen to the full interview with Nancy Mogab below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 4.5 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

When is it and how much does it cost?

Listen to the full interview with Nancy Mogab below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 4.5 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Listen to the full interview with Nancy Mogab below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 4.5 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 4.5 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Law in Your Life #66: Rights of Laid Off Workers

Layoffs are frightening in this economy - but they keep happening to Missourians. Today attorney Cathy Martin tells Law in Your Life host Angela Wilson about your rights when laid off during a tough economy. Martin also discusses what you should do if you feel like you were laid off for reasons other than economic.

Are employers required to give any notice before they lay off workers?

What if someone is laid off for what the company says are hard economic times, but the employee believes otherwise. What should they do?

Are employers required to notify employees before they reduce wages?

Listen to the full interview with Cathy Martin below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 9.3 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

What if someone is laid off for what the company says are hard economic times, but the employee believes otherwise. What should they do?

Are employers required to notify employees before they reduce wages?

Listen to the full interview with Cathy Martin below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 9.3 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Are employers required to notify employees before they reduce wages?

Listen to the full interview with Cathy Martin below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 9.3 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Listen to the full interview with Cathy Martin below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 9.3 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 9.3 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Law in Your Life #65: Foreclosure Lawsuits

The bursting housing market bubble has opened up new venues for homeowners in foreclosure to sue. Who can sue their lenders? What criteria do attorneys look for in a case? Today, Missouri Attorney Ed Hershewe discusses this and more with Law in Your Life host Angela Wilson.

Who can sue? Just homeowners? Or are there others?

What types of documents should people bring with them when they consult with an attorney?

What are some common denominators in these cases?

Listen to the full interview with Ed Hershewe below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 13 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

What types of documents should people bring with them when they consult with an attorney?

What are some common denominators in these cases?

Listen to the full interview with Ed Hershewe below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 13 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

What are some common denominators in these cases?

Listen to the full interview with Ed Hershewe below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 13 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Listen to the full interview with Ed Hershewe below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 13 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 13 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Law in Your Life #64: Your Credit During an Economic Crunch

Credit is key to moving through this tough economy unscathed. To have a good credit score, you need a clean credit report. Today Law in Your Life host Angela Wilson finds out what you need to know about credit scores and reports from Bruce McClary with Clearpoint Credit Counseling Solutions.

Where can I get a free copy of my credit report?

What type of information does the credit report contain?

What is the Fair Credit Reporting Act and what can it do for me?

Listen to the full interview with Bruce McClary below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 17 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

What type of information does the credit report contain?

What is the Fair Credit Reporting Act and what can it do for me?

Listen to the full interview with Bruce McClary below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 17 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

What is the Fair Credit Reporting Act and what can it do for me?

Listen to the full interview with Bruce McClary below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 17 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Listen to the full interview with Bruce McClary below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 17 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 17 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Law in Your Life #63: Winter Heating Help

Many Missourians are having a hard time paying their utility bills, and stress each day that their heat could be turned off during the coldest part of winter. Today Law in Your Life host Angela Wilson finds out about Missouri's cold weather rules from Gay Fred at the Public Service Commission. Gay also shares information about programs that can provide financial assistance to those who cannot pay their bills.

Can my heat be turned off when the weather is at freezing temperatures?

Where can I get help to pay for my utility bills?

How can I lower my monthly utility payments?

Listen to the full interview with Gay Fred below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 13 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Where can I get help to pay for my utility bills?

How can I lower my monthly utility payments?

Listen to the full interview with Gay Fred below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 13 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

How can I lower my monthly utility payments?

Listen to the full interview with Gay Fred below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 13 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Listen to the full interview with Gay Fred below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 13 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 13 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Law in Your Life #62B: How to Appeal Unemployment Denial

In the second portion of our feature on unemployment, host Angela Wilson focuses on the appeals process. If you are denied unemployment, but don't agree with that decision, listen to the soundbytes below for details on how you can appeal.

What if I am turned down for unemployment. Can I appeal that decision?

Do I need an attorney to appeal?

By law, you are allowed to have an agent during appeals. Who can be an agent?

Listen to the full interview with Jim Skain below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 17.8 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

On the Web:

Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

Do I need an attorney to appeal?

By law, you are allowed to have an agent during appeals. Who can be an agent?

Listen to the full interview with Jim Skain below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 17.8 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

On the Web:

Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

By law, you are allowed to have an agent during appeals. Who can be an agent?

Listen to the full interview with Jim Skain below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 17.8 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

On the Web:

Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

Listen to the full interview with Jim Skain below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 17.8 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

On the Web:

Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 17.8 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

On the Web:

Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

Law in Your Life #62A: How to Apply for Unemployment

With job losses on the rise, more Show-Me State residents are filing for unemployment. How does it work? Is the process difficult? Find out as host Angela Wilson gets the details about filing for  unemployment with Department of Labor spokesman Jim Skain.

How do you apply for unemployment?

How do you determine who is eligible for unemployment?

What if you are offered a job, but don't take it. Will you automatically lose unemployment benefits?

Listen to the full interview with Jim Skain below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 17.6 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

On the Web:

Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

How do you determine who is eligible for unemployment?

What if you are offered a job, but don't take it. Will you automatically lose unemployment benefits?

Listen to the full interview with Jim Skain below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 17.6 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

On the Web:

Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

What if you are offered a job, but don't take it. Will you automatically lose unemployment benefits?

Listen to the full interview with Jim Skain below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 17.6 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

On the Web:

Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

Listen to the full interview with Jim Skain below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 17.6 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

On the Web:

Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 17.6 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

On the Web:

Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

Law in Your Life #61: Writing Bad Checks

At some point, everyone has written a bad check. Sometimes it is by accident; other times, it is a willful, knowing act that could mean criminal fines. Today, Law in Your Life host Angela Wilson finds out what you need to know about writing bad checks from Audrain County Prosecutor Jason Lamb.

What happens when you write a bad check? When do prosecutors get involved?

What penalties do you face if convicted of knowingly writing bad checks?

Can you be sued in both civil and criminal court for passing bad checks?

You can also listen to the full interview with Jason Lamb on writing bad checks below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 8.07 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

What penalties do you face if convicted of knowingly writing bad checks?

Can you be sued in both civil and criminal court for passing bad checks?

You can also listen to the full interview with Jason Lamb on writing bad checks below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 8.07 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Can you be sued in both civil and criminal court for passing bad checks?

You can also listen to the full interview with Jason Lamb on writing bad checks below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 8.07 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

You can also listen to the full interview with Jason Lamb on writing bad checks below.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 8.07 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 8.07 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.