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Defamation Libel
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Defamation law protects reputation. Words are defamatory if they tend to reduce the reputation of the claimant in the minds of right thinking members of the public. A claimant must show that : 1. Defamatory words were used 2. The words were published (i.e. somebody other than the claimant and the defendant saw the words), and They caused damage to reputation. The claimant must have a reputation which can be damaged. A defendant may defend a claim by establishing that: 1. One of the essential elements is not present; or 2. The defamatory words are true. 3. There is some other lawful excuse, such as privilege, or innocence. A suitable offer of amends has been made There are two sub types of defamation, libel, (which is in writing), and slander, (which is oral only).
Carter Ruck Solicitors Questions and Answers
Harvard Law Article (Be aware US law)
HM Courts Service Queen’s Bench Guide
Independent article – UN says Libel Law stifling free speech.
MediaSolicitors.co.uk Some information relating to media law, with links to practicing solicitors.
Ministry of Justice Defamation PreAction Protocol
MLRC Explanation of Libel
Website Law.co.uk Law and the Internet Regulating Cyberspace Article by Lilian Edwards on Libel and Cyberspace
Wikipedia Libel and Defamation
Mosley case
Archives Hub http://www.archiveshub.ac.uk/news/02121801.html (Article about Oswald Mosley)
BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7527319.stm
Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/jul/15/privacy.newsoftheworld
Irish Times report http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2008/0724/breaking24.htm
The Lawyer.Com Article on Libel Case click here
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