Gatley on Libel and Slander - 9781847034922

Product Description

A one-stop reference source for media law practitioners, defamation specialists and academics on defamation law, Gatley on Libel and Slander:

Provides an authoritative and all encompassing guide to the law of defamation
Includes expert commentary and analysis from a distinguished team of writers
Brings practitioners up-to-date with the latest developments, both substantive and procedural, in the law of defamation
Provides detailed coverage of the relevant procedure and guidance on practising within the area of defamation law
Discusses the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights and the continuing effect of the Human Rights Act 1998 on defamation law and privacy
Includes cases from other jurisdictions with commentary on their relevance to English law and procedure, in particular decisions from Canada, Australia and New Zealand
Explains the constituents of related causes of action arising from the publication of statements or images, e.g. misuse of private information, harassment, and the defences, and discusses the recent cases on these topics
Looks at the offer of amends procedure and defences under the Defamation Act 1996
Includes updated forms and precedents for everyday use
Reproduces key legislation, and includes summaries of important libel awards

back to top

Contents

The defamatory statement

Introduction
Defamatory imputations
The form and meaning of the defamatory statement
Slanders actionable per se
Slanders actionable only on proof of special damage
Publication
Identity of the person defamed
Parties: who may sue or be sued
Remedies

Defences

Defences: general
Justification (truth)
Fair comment
Absolute privilege
Qualified privilege at common law I: limited publication
Qualified privilege at common law II: reports and Reynolds v Times Newspapers
Qualified privilege: statute
Malice and qualified privilege
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
Other defences

Other causes of action and related matters

Scope of this part
Malicious falsehood
Misuse of personal information and breach of confidence
Other causes of action arising from statements
Criminal libel
The European Convention on Human Rights and Defamation and Privacy

The action

The initial stages
Interim injunctions
Particulars of claim
Defence
Reply and defence to counterclaim
Apology, offer of amends and compromise
Pre-trial applications
Interlocutory matters
The trial: the claimant's case
The trial: the defendant's case
Functions of judge and jury
The trial: the final stages
Appeal

back to top

Reviews

I have no hesitation in recommending Gatley on Libel and Slander to anyone practising in or studying this topical and fast-moving area of law. It is comprehensive whilst, at the same time, readable meaning it can be used by practitioners and students alike.
The part on defamation proceedings and the appendices is worth the price on its own. If you have a copy of Gatley on Libel and Slander, you are unlikely to need anything else!

Russell J Kelsall, Solicitor
Editor
The Student Law Journal

No one wishing to gain a commanding view of the law on defamation can afford to ignore this book.
Dr Venkat Iyer
The Commonwealth Lawyer

back to top

Available Online

Gatley on Libel and Slander is part of the Common Law Library, available online via Westlaw UK's renowned interface delivering unprecedented functionality and navigation. To find out more about the definitive collection of common law titles on Westlaw UK please visit http://www.westlaw.co.uk/books/common_law_library.shtm

back to top