Defamation
Sir Cliff Richard
There are two matters (at least) worth noting in Sir Cliff Richard’s deserved win in the English High court. Firstly, it is heartening that a group of ordinary [women] citizens were sufficiently integrated as persons that they were immune to the effects of the smear attaching to Sir Cliff as a result of the disgraceful lynching of him by the BBC. Those citizens supported Sir Cliff by cheering for him outside the court on the delivery of the judgment. Secondly, […]
Air Travel Accidents
Regulation (EC) No 2027/97 (as amended by Regulation (EC) No 889/2002) requires air carriers in the EU to give the following summary of a passenger’s rights on the air ticket. “Air carrier liability for passengers and their baggage This information notice summarises the liability rules applied by Community air carriers as required by Community legislation and the Montreal Convention. Compensation in the case of death or injury There are no financial limits to the liability for passenger injury or death. […]
Lucinda Creighton’s legal bill
Why should anybody get legal aid in such a case? Because without some funding help, a person might not get justice. It is impractical to think that justice is possible for a lay litigant.
Secret(ive) Courts
Construction may be everything; if the object of criticism thinks the criticism may lower him/her in the estimation of right-thinking members of the community he/she may sue for defamation.
The Picture of Brian Cowen
One can imagine Mr. Cowen’s feelings when he learned of the hanging of two pictures of him in public, in which pictures he was shown, by implication only, as naked; firstly, possibly in the loo and secondly, holding his underpants.
Say nothing rather than something
Consequently, a reporter should not look for the “core” of his or her report in the pleadings or in the characterisation of the case by counsel or in some diatribe by the judge (unless he or she is working for a “red-top”; then, always go for the diatribe).
Business is Business
Under the Regulations, the plaintiff client will become liable for fees only if he/she:
a) fails to co-operate with the legal representative;
b) fails to attend any medical or expert examination or court hearing which the legal representative reasonably requests him to attend;
c) fails to give necessary instructions to the legal representative; or
d) withdraws instructions from the legal representative.
Anglo Irish Bank Corporation (3)
Comment on the situation at Anglo Irish Bank is, if it is fair, privileged. The matter is one of public interest. This means it is open to people to speak about the situation freely without worrying that they might be the subject of legal proceedings for defamation.
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