Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024: What We Know So Far

The Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024, which will result in a major overhaul of the State's defamation laws, is due to be published next week with enactment possible before the end of the year. However, this is on the basis that a general election is not called before then.

In a press release this week, the Department of Justice outlined some of the anticipated new provisions. The Bill will propose to:

1. Abolish juries in High Court defamation cases with the aim of reducing the likelihood of disproportionate awards of damages and significantly reducing delays and legal costs;
2. Target Strategic Lawsuits against Public Participation ("SLAPPs"), which occur when a plaintiff brings a claim for defamation against an individual or organisation with the intention of silencing an investigation, discussion or debate. The new legislation is also designed with the intention of reducing legal costs for parties and decreasing the substantial level of damages often awarded