The First Steps
There have been some high profile defamation cases recently
where celebrities have successfully sued media conglomerates for
publishing defamatory articles. While those stories are
entertaining to read about, you may have wondered "what legal
options are available if someone is making wrongful, unjustified,
or just plain nasty comments about me?"
Concerns Notice
If someone has made a comment to a third party which is likely to
damage your reputation, you have the right to issue a Concerns
Notice. A Concerns Notice must specify each and every defamatory
imputation, and gives the person who made the defamatory comment 28
days to 'make amends' – that is, offer to publish a
correction, apologise, and pay reasonable expenses. If you are
satisfied and accept the offer to make amends, then the matter is
concluded and you cannot sue for defamation. However, if you are
not satisfied with the offer, or no offer is made within 28 days,
you may commence legal
