Which of the following is considered a statutory defense for a lawsuit brought under the DTPA?

A statutory defense under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA) is meant to protect parties from liability in certain circumstances. Written information obtained from a government record is a robust example of such a defense because it suggests that the agent acted on verified and official documentation. This implies that the information provided to the buyer was reliable and not misleading, fulfilling the agent's obligation to exercise due diligence. Utilizing authoritative sources, such as government records, demonstrates a level of credibility and trustworthiness that is essential in transactions governed by the DTPA.

Verbal assurances, email correspondence, and informal notes do not carry the same weight as written government records. They may lack official verifiability and can be subject to interpretation, making them less effective as defenses in the context of the DTPA. In contrast, using documented evidence from governmental sources provides a stronger, more defensible position against allegations of deceptive practices, as it shows a commitment to transparency and reliance on credible information.