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ARTICLE · 20 MAY 2013

The Defamation Act 2013 – A First Look

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
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Charles Russell Speechlys LLP

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At last, after lengthy legislative to-ing and fro-ing, the new Defamation Act 2013 has been passed and is ready to come into force.

United KingdomLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
Nick Armstrong
Nick Armstrong

It's Not All Change... And It's Not Yet In Force

At last, after lengthy legislative to-ing and fro-ing, the new Defamation Act 2013 has been passed and is ready to come into force.

We are promised that "....the Defamation Act will be brought into force later in the year." https://www.gov.uk/government/news/defamation-act-reforms-libel-law In the words of Lord McNally, Justice Minister:

"The previous law on libel cases had been criticised as being antiquated, costly and unfair, which resulted in a chilling effect on freedom of expression and the stifling of legitimate debate.

The Defamation Act 2013 which has today completed its passage through Parliament will overhaul the libel laws in England and Wales and bring them into the 21st century, creating a more balanced and fair law."

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