A Claimant starts court proceedings by filing a document known as a 'Claim Form' at the Court Registry. The Claim Form very briefly states who the Defendant is, why the Claimant is suing him and what remedy he is seeking.
The claim is started by the filing of a claim form. This is a document that briefly sets out the claim and calls on the defendant to state whether he admits or denies the claim. The claim form must be accompanied by a statement of case in which the claimant details the facts that entitles him to the remedy sought.
Judicial System of Trinidad and Tobago The justice system is based on English common law. The Supreme Court of Judicature comprises the High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal and has establishments in Port of Spain, San Fernando and Tobago.
Legal Action: If the defamatory statement continues or the harm to your reputation persists, you may consider pursuing legal action. To do so, you can file a defamation lawsuit in the courts of Trinidad and Tobago.
Address It Directly: If appropriate, consider confronting the person spreading the slander. Approach them calmly and express how their words have affected you. Sometimes, a direct conversation can resolve misunderstandings. Seek Support: Talk to trusted friends, family, or colleagues about the situation.
To be classified as defamatory, a statement must be injurious. The entire purpose of a defamation of character lawsuit is to prove that the statement in question caused damage to the victim. The claimant in a defamation case must prove that the false statement damaged their reputation.
Generally, to win a defamation lawsuit, you must prove that: Someone made a statement; The statement was published; The statement caused your injury; The statement was false; and. The statement did not fall into a privileged category.
In some states, general damages are allowed in libel (written) but not slander (verbal) defamation cases. In other states, victims of slander can recover general damages, but only when the false statement is obviously harmful (called "slander per se") and caused the plaintiff financial harm.
Importantly, actions for criminal defamation involve prosecution by the state and carry the potential imposition of criminal penalties. Those found guilty could face up to two years in prison. The Act is extremely plaintiff-friendly.