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ARTICLE · 19 APRIL 2024

The Libel Bible: No Need To Be Defenceless To Defamation

Gowling WLG
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Welcome to 'The Libel Bible' – a six-part article series on all things defamation. In this comprehensive series, we delve into the complexities of defamation and the law that surrounds it in the UK...

United KingdomLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
Lucy Singer
Lucy Singer
Charles Bond
Charles Bond
Nick Cunningham
Nick Cunningham
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Welcome to 'The Libel Bible' – a six-part article series on all things defamation. In this comprehensive series, we delve into the complexities of defamation and the law that surrounds it in the UK. With discussion on fundamental principles and commentary on recent cases, this series provides an informative insight into the intricate world of freedom of expression and reputation protection in today's progressive society.

This article in our defamation series focuses on the defences available to a party accused of defamation. There are lots of options, and it is possible to rely on more than one in a single case. The key defences we will cover in this article are truth, honest opinion, publication on a matter of public interest, privilege (of which there are two varieties), peer-reviewed statements in scientific and academic journals, innocent dissemination, and an offer of amends.

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The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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