Defamation law in Australia / Patrick George.

Chatswood, N.S.W. : LexisNexis Butterworths, 2017.

3rd edition

87776

Australia. -- Defamation Act 1974.

Libel and slander -- New South Wales.

Libel and slander -- Australia.

Part 1. History and concepts

1. 1. Introduction

2. History of defamation law in England

3. History of defamation law in Australia

4. Reputation

5. Freedom of speech

Part 2. General principles

6. The cause of action for defamation

7. Publication

8. Identification

9. Meaning

10. Defamation

11. Particular defamatory meanings

12. Capacity to sue: plaintiffs

13. Capacity to be sued: defendants

14. Privacy

15. Other causes of action

Part 3. Resolution Of civil disputes without litigation

16. Alternative solutions

Part 4. Litigation of civil disputes: including defences in civil proceedings and remedies

17. Role of judge and jury

18. The defences

19. Truth

20. Contextual truth

21. Absolute privilege

22. The privileged occasion

23. Malice

24. Statements to the world at large

25. Statutory defence of qualified privilege

26. Protected reports

27. Fair comment

28. Honest opinion

29. Innocent dissemination

30. Circumstances of publication

31. Damages at common law

32. General damages

33. Award of damages

34. Increasing damages: aggravation

35. Exemplary damages

36. Reducing damages: mitigation

37. Special damages

38. Other aspects of damages

39. Alternative remedies

40. Non-monetary remedies

41. Costs

Part 5. Miscellaneous

42. Evidence / transitional

43. Reform

44. Criminal law.

Defamation Law in Australia commences with a colourful historical analysis of defamation action in England and Australia, before providing an in-depth commentary on the general underlying law, principles and concepts. Following the introduction of the Defamation Act 2005 (Cth), defamation law is substantially uniform in Australia. The provisions of the Defamation Act are identified and explained, and important topics such as reputation and freedom of speech are explored. This updated edition has been revised to reflect changes in legislation and case law, including an analysis of major decisions relating to publication on the internet, defences of truth and contextual truth, and awards of damages. It addresses developments in invasion of privacy law in Australia and explores topical issues such as disclosure of confidential sources and reform of the Defamation Act after more than 10 years operation. The Defamation Act is fully reproduced as an Appendix, together with a Comparative Table of Defamation Statutes, contrasting previous legislation in each State and Territory with the uniform Act. - Publisher's website.

Previous ed. 2012.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

9780409345575

lxxii, 749 pages ; 24 cm