Defamation is generally defined as someone attempting to ruin your reputation through false statements. This term covers libel (written or permanent forms) and slander (spoken or transient forms). Defamation laws aim to protect individuals and businesses from reputational harm caused by such actions.
Criteria to be met in defamation-related applications Your client must meet the full criteria for defamation. Your client must demonstrate a plausible basis for bringing or defending proceedings. Among other things, issues such as jurisdiction must be fully addressed.
The law has now been amended to require someone who thinks they have been defamed to provide a 'concerns notice' to the person who they believed has published the defamatory material before they can bring defamation proceedings against them in court.
The distinction between libel and slander was completely abolished under the uniform legislation, meaning that plaintiffs can now sue for defamation regarding publications of defamatory matter of both kinds under the Defamation Act.
Although libel and slander are commonly used terms in US law and culture, they do not exist in Australia. Both written and spoken defamation are actionable torts and have the same defences.
Defamation that causes long-term damage, particularly if it affects your career, social standing, or personal life, will result in higher damages than something short-term that might be forgotten within a year. The more severe and lasting the harm, the greater the compensation.
The law of slander says that in most cases, you have to prove that you have suffered actual financial loss as a result of the slander, as well as serious harm to your reputation. This is different from libel claims, where you are only required to prove that you have suffered serious harm to your reputation.
The average payout for defamation in the UK will vary depending on the specifics of your case. Minor, short-term defamation might result in a small payout, while serious and long-lasting damage could lead to compensation in the hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Because of the requirements of the Protocol for Media and Communications Claims, you should start off your slander case by sending a letter of claim which complies with the Protocol to your opponent, and then only if the matter cannot be resolved between you, should you start court proceedings.