Legal Question in Civil Litigation in New Jersey
Defamation of Character
I tried to join a private club and was denied membershib based on an anonymous objection by one of the members. A commitee voted to deny me after I passed the intial screening by two officers of the club. I would like to defend myself and clear my name, as I feel that there is some personal animus involved. What are my options as this is harmful to my good name and character in the community. I live in a small town. Please advise.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Defamation of Character
Truly private clubs and associations control their membership by their own processes and standards. They are free to exclude whomever they choose for whatever reasons they choose including reasons that would be prohibited to organizations that are public or quasi-public. You have no cause of action against the organization.
You might have a cause of action against the individual who objected to your membership if you can prove what was said, that it was false, and that you were damaged in a tangible way. Keeping in mind that organizations rarely make a record of such details and that this information was likely couched as an opinion, your proofs will be difficult or impossible.
See also: http://info.corbettlaw.net/lawguru.htm
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