Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Tennessee

Civil Rights in the Workplace

After a series of thefts, of which I

have never been accused or even

suspected, my employer confiscated

my book bag and locked it in the

office without my knowledge or

permission. Within ten minutes of

this action I was notified in front of

the other employees that my bag

was locked in the office, which

caused me to look like a thief in front

of my co-workers and invalidated

much of the trust they put in me. I

was never told wether my bag was

searched, if I was in fact a suspect, or

what actions (if any) I could take.

Do I have any legal recourse to sue

them over the invasion of my

privacy, the damage to my

reputation at work, or the hostile

work environment this has created

for me?


Asked on 5/26/08, 12:01 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Nanette Gould Nanette J. Gould, Attorney at Law

Re: Civil Rights in the Workplace

I'm going to assume that the bag was returned to you with its contents intact, and that the conversation in front of your co-workers did not include statements like "we think you're a thief." If my assumptions are true, then what was done to you is not right, but it's not actionable in court. If the bag was returned to you, you cannot pursue a criminal theft charge, and if no false accusations were made there is no slander. Your privacy was invaded, but in order for that action to stand up in court you would have to substantiate damages. If you have more facts that aren't included in your question, please contact me and I'll be happy to discuss the matter with you.

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Answered on 5/27/08, 1:58 pm


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