Decoding defamation

In: Index on censorship, Band 43, Heft 3

Abstract

Young journalists and who aspire to enter the trade are too often unaware of the legal risks they face. Understanding defamation law is a vital part of being a reporter. Journalists want to publish interesting and important stories. To do this, they often have to include information that individuals or companies dislike because it casts them in a bad light. The threat of a defamation action has often been used to stifle unwanted publicity even when the information is true. Accuracy and facts are essential. Journalists need to know how to present information. Here, Phippen discusses UK's defamation law. Adapted from the source document.