Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Maryland
Writing non-fiction
If I were to write a non fiction book about my life experiences with another person... would I have to get permission from that other person, if I did or did not use their name?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Writing non-fiction
A truly factual account of any matter can be publicized without any issue of defamation. However, caution is advised particularly where matters could affect the third party's livelihood. This is the type of question that is difficult to contrain unless facts are presented. From another viewpoint, if you are exploiting a situation then this may be a legal issue. If, however, you are rendering an objectively true rendition of a factual matter then you are free of a claim of defamation. Other matters may apply besides defamation.