
Kenya Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
Defamation in Kenya is now civil only: the Defamation Act Cap 36 governs claims; criminal defamation (Penal Code s.194) was ruled unconstitutional in 2017.
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Defamation in Kenya is now civil only: the Defamation Act Cap 36 governs claims; criminal defamation (Penal Code s.194) was ruled unconstitutional in 2017.

Defamation in Japan is both a crime (Penal Code Art 230) and a civil tort (Civil Code Art 709). 2022 raised insult penalties. Defences and remedies explained.

Italy treats defamation as both a crime (diffamazione, Article 595 Penal Code) and a civil wrong (Article 2043 Civil Code), with reform under debate.

Defamation in Ireland is a civil wrong only under the Defamation Act 2009, as amended in 2026. Criminal libel was abolished. Defences, damages and limits.

Defamation in India is both a civil tort and a crime under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 (formerly IPC 499/500), up to 2 years.

In Germany defamation is both criminal and civil. StGB sections 185 to 187 punish insult and false-fact claims; the Civil Code allows damages.

In France defamation (diffamation) and insult are criminal under the Law of 29 July 1881: a 12,000 euro fine and a short three-month deadline to act.

Defamation in Canada is both civil (common law and Quebec Civil Code) and, rarely, criminal under Criminal Code ss.298-301. Defences, damages and limits.

Defamation in Brazil is both criminal (Penal Code arts 138-140) and civil (Civil Code arts 186, 927). Crimes against honour, defences and damages explained.

Citation-backed guides to Australian law on recording and surveillance, data privacy (Privacy Act and the APPs), and defamation across every state and territory.

Citation-backed guides to UK law on recording and surveillance, data privacy (UK GDPR), and defamation across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Chatrie v. United States (No. 25-112) is pending before the Supreme Court. Argued April 27, 2026 on whether geofence warrants are constitutional. Pending.