My old boss is giving me an unfair bad reference, is this legal?

My Old boss told me that he has told my prospective employers that he would not hire me back when asked. He told me it was because of 2 reasons. 1, the way that I left. I gave my boss two weeks notice and he told me that in his opinion, I should have given him a month. 2, he told me that I always turned down overtime when asked to work. I have my check stubs proving him dead wrong in that category. I only turned down overtime twice in the past year. I think that he is just mad that I left him for another job. What can I do to fix this? There has to be a law against this kind of situation. Thanks in advance for your answers.
Additional Details
This old boss of mine is the chief of police and I was a police officer. I believe that I have to put down this guy as a former employer.

mrmagoo

I think it is illegal. I think it's called 'defamation of character'. Do some research into it...maybe send him a letter stating that you will consider legal action against him.

He can only say something against you (legally) if it's a fact. If it's a lie, it's defamation.

Make an honest assessment of your behavior at this job. If you really feel that he's against you personally, and it's not based on real neglect on your part, you could potentially sue.

Here's a good link:
http://www.references-etc.com/zipping_the_lips_of_a_former_employer.html

Heather V

He can say anything he wants as long it it is not a blatant lie (what he said does not fall into that category). He is giving them his opinion, and he is within his legal rights.

Mermaid

Well, your boss has every right to give his opinion on his employees. You may have been working overtime and given your notice of resignation on time but during your employment with him, you may not have been a good worker.

Doctor Deth

tell him you will sue him for slander if he tells those lies
if those issues come up when applying for a job, defend yourself and tell the truth. Legally he shouldn;t be saying anything about you personally - he sounds like an idiot - all he should be saying is when you worked there and how much you made and maybe yes or no to the would you rehire question and that's it

Soramdara

Stop using this dude as a reference

Bonnie

If he tells them exactly what he told you, he'll look pretty foolish and they won't blame you for leaving. He also can be held liable for lies, and you might want to remind him of that.

maggiesmom

I think if it was me, I would make an appointment with him and hash it out. Try to get him to see your side of it, nicely. Most people, in order not to get sued, only will give out the specifics on a previous employee. Things like salary, date hired, date left. It's not a good idea to say anything negative as you could get sued.

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