Defamation Laws
Spain Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
Spain treats defamation as both a crime (calumnia and injurias in the Penal Code) and a civil wrong under Organic Law 1/1982 on honour.
7 min read
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Defamation Laws
South Africa Defamation Laws: Civil Claims Since the 2024 Repeal
Criminal defamation was abolished in South Africa on 3 April 2024. See civil defamation elements, defences, damages, and crimen injuria in this 2026 guide.
9 min read
Defamation Laws
Philippines Defamation Laws: Libel & Cyber Libel
The Philippines treats defamation as both a crime (libel, Revised Penal Code) and a civil wrong, with cyber libel under RA 10175 carrying higher penalties.
8 min read
Defamation Laws
Pakistan Defamation Laws: Civil & Criminal
Defamation in Pakistan is both civil (Defamation Ordinance 2002, Punjab Act 2024) and criminal (Penal Code 499/500), with online liability under PECA.
8 min read
Defamation Laws
Nigeria Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
Defamation in Nigeria is both a civil tort and a crime. Criminal Code s.375, northern Penal Code s.392, Cybercrimes Act s.24 online. Defences and remedies.
8 min read
Defamation Laws
New Zealand Defamation Laws: Civil & Defences
Defamation in New Zealand is a civil wrong only under the Defamation Act 1992. Criminal defamation was abolished. Defences, remedies and the 2-year limit.
7 min read
Defamation Laws
Netherlands Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
In the Netherlands defamation is both criminal and civil. The Criminal Code punishes smaad, laster, and belediging; tort law allows damages.
8 min read
Defamation Laws
Mexico Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
Mexico decriminalised defamation federally in 2007; it is mainly a civil matter (Federal Civil Code arts 1916, 1916 Bis), but some states still treat it as a
7 min read
Defamation Laws
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.
8 min read
Defamation Laws
Japan Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
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.
7 min read
Defamation Laws
Italy Defamation Laws: Civil, Criminal & Defences
Italy treats defamation as both a crime (diffamazione, Article 595 Penal Code) and a civil wrong (Article 2043 Civil Code), with reform under debate.
8 min read
Defamation Laws
Ireland Defamation Laws: 2026 Reforms, Defences & Time Limits
Defamation in Ireland after the 2026 reforms: High Court juries abolished from 1 March 2026, a serious harm test for companies, new defences, and a 1-year time limit.
7 min read