Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Related legal acts

Key definition

Defamation definition

What does Defamation mean? Defamation describes claims arising from publication to a third party of words, images or other communications that damage reputation. In practice it is an umbrella term for libel (generally written or recorded publications) and slander (transient speech), though some jurisdictions now treat defamation as a single cause of action. In England and Wales, the Defamation Act 2013 and case law require proof of serious harm to reputation (serious financial loss for bodies trading for profit) and adopt a single-publication rule. Libel is actionable per se; slander usually requires special damage, subject to limited exceptions. In Scotland, the Defamation and Malicious Publication...

Defamation and Malicious Falsehood: Publication, Responsibility, Proof, Internet Intermediaries, Serious Harm, Republication, Jurisdiction and Limitation (England and Wales)

Published by a LexisNexis TMT expert

Practice notes

This Practice Note explores how publication operates within claims for Defamation or malicious falsehood. It surveys key case law and legislation, and considers who might be primarily and secondarily accountable for publication, what amounts to publication, the nature of publication on the internet, and jurisdictional questions...

Publication as an ingredient of the Tort of defamation

For Libel or slander, it is fundamental that a Defamatory statement is communicated to someone other than the claimant. A written publication occurs only once a third party has read and understood the words. An oral publication arises when a third party apprehends and understands them. In practice, a claimant often issues one claim covering multiple publications. Each communication is, in principle, a distinct publication giving rise to its own cause of action, though section 8 of the Defamation Act 2013 (DA 2013) moderates this for limitation purposes (see below)...

Responsibility for publication

At...

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

Web page updated on 21/05/2026

Popular documents

Using the Judicial College Guidelines to assess general damages in personal injury claims

When evaluating a general damages claim, the practitioner ought initially to refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG)...

Tomlin orders in England and Wales: CPR guidance on drafting, confidentiality, approval, variation, enforcement, limitation, CCA issues, court-specific requirements, sample wording and precedents

This Practice Note This Practice Note reviews mechanisms used in settling litigation. A Tomlin order consists of a consent order paired with a schedule. It operates to stay proceedings on terms that have been agreed. The provisions contained in the schedule may remain confidential. This Practice Note describes the scope of confidentiality attaching to the schedule and sets out how it differs from a standard consent order. Sample wording for a Tomlin order is included, alongside links to precedents, as well as guidance on court approval. It also addresses varying, setting aside and enforcing a Tomlin order, including the considerations the court will take into account when handling applications for each. Further guidance is provided on interpreting and applying the relevant provisions of the CPR; however, some courts and divisions impose very specific requirements for both drafting and approval, and for approaching the schedule and confidentiality issues. Accordingly, you must consider the particular rules and court guide provisions in the forum where your claim is proceeding when drawing up the Tomlin order...

Precedent: Deed of Surrender of Lease with Optional Premium, Settlement and Release, Landlord, Mortgagee and Guarantor Consents, Reimbursement and HM Land Registry Provisions (England and Wales)

Date [ date ] Parties [ name of Landlord ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Landlord) [ name of Tenant ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Tenant) [ [ name of Guarantor ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Guarantor) ] [ [ name of Mortgagee ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Mortgagee) ] Definitions Within this Deed, the terms below shall be interpreted as follows: [ Annual Rent • the annual sum reserved under the Lease; ] [ Insurance Rent • the Tenant’s share of the Landlord’s costs of insuring the Property (as set out in the Lease); ] Lease • the lease of the Property dated [ date ], entered into between (1) [ the Landlord OR [ name ...

Precedent Statutory Declaration: Standard Wording under the Statutory Declarations Act 1835

I, [ name ], of [ address ], solemnly and sincerely state that: [ Matters to be verified, set out in numbered paragraphs ] I make this solemn statement in good conscience, believing it to be true, and pursuant to the provisions of the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. DECLARED at [ details ] this [ day ] day of [ month and year ] Before me ................................................................................ [ signature of the person before whom the declaration is made ] A [ commissioner for oaths OR [ solicitor OR [ insert other qualification ] ] authorised to administer oaths ]...