Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Rhode Island

Re: What can I do about troublesome neighbors?

If the false accusations are that you are engaging in criminal conduct or otherwise defame your reputation you may be able to sue for slander. Slander is an intentional tort (civil wrong) whereby someone makes statements or accusations against you which they know to be false. Unfortunately it is generally difficult to obtain any money from such a suit as almost all insurance policies exclude intentional conduct such as slander. Consequently, you would have to fund the suit yourself with little or no chance of recouping your fees and any judgement that may be awarded.

If the police have come on more than one occasion and there has been nothing to substantiate the neighbors complaints you should contact the town solicitor or the department of attorney general to find out why your neighbor has not been charged with filing a false police report or making a false complaint.