Legal Question in Administrative Law in Massachusetts

''what one can call himslef''

I would like to know, is it illagal for one to call themselves using honorific titles such as ''Sir'', ''Lord'' or even ''Lady''?

I know that if one calls themself a ''Dr'' or put ''MD'' at the end of their name to gain employment or to gain money then thats wrong. But I one calls themself Sir and is the adverage ''Joe'' living a normal life, is that wrong.


Asked on 6/22/05, 4:26 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
George Davis Law Office of T. George Davis, Jr.

Re: ''what one can call himslef''

I think you've already answered the question yourself. When you note in your question that a person can't falsely claim to be a doctor in order to trick someone into giving them something, the same is true across the board. If a person intentionally misrepresents a significant piece of information in order to trick someone else into giving them something, that is what is generally considered to be a fraud. Of course, every situation is different, and not every misstatement rises to the level of a fraud, but that is the general concept. On the other hand, if a person falsely identifies himself as "Sir" or "Lord" but doesn't seek to obtain any unfair advantage by doing so, then I don't think that would be illegal.

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Answered on 6/22/05, 5:10 am


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