Defamation (Libel and Slander)

Defamation is your remedy if someone publishes something about you which tends to make people think the worse of you – libel, if it’s in a permanent form, such as in a newspaper or TV broadcast – or slander, if it’s in a transient form, such as a conversation.

England’s defamation law is claimant friendly and London is known as the libel capital of the world.

Individuals and companies can sue for libel.

Defamation is still a powerful tool in reputation management; damages are no longer as high as they used to be but publishers fear claims as the costs can be very high if they try to defend a claim and lose.

The main defences to a libel action include:

• that the main defamatory thrust of a piece – or “sting” – is true;



• that the publication is covered by privilege. This includes the publication being responsible journalism on a matter of public interest;



• that the publication is fair comment on a matter of public interest.