
Defamation Explained: Libel, Slander and the Serious Harm Threshold
Libel vs slander, what a claimant must prove, the s.1 serious harm threshold, Lachaux v Independent Print, and where Northern Ireland's partial reform differs.
10 min read
4 articles

Libel vs slander, what a claimant must prove, the s.1 serious harm threshold, Lachaux v Independent Print, and where Northern Ireland's partial reform differs.

How UK defamation claims work: the one-year limitation deadline, the Pre-Action Protocol, the meaning trial, costs rules, and the narrow SLAPP protections.

How UK law handles defamation online: the section 5 website-operator defence, suing a poster vs notifying a platform, and how Scotland and NI differ.

The Defamation Act 2013 defences in depth: truth, honest opinion, public interest, non-domiciled defendants and jury trial, plus Scotland and NI equivalents.