The Defamation Act 2013

The Defamation Act 2013 has just passed into law. This is of importance for all who write and comment on websites, newspapers, books, periodicals etc. and those responsible for publication. So, Key’s lawyers might want to take a look at this legislation.

The Defamation Act is primarily concerned with libel reform. For the first time there is now a statutory defence of ‘public interest’. Jo Glanville, Director of English PEN, writes: “Free speech is safer than it has ever been from libel bullies and legal threats. There is still some way to go to ensure that the law is as robust as it needs to be in practice to protect freedom of expression …”

We hope that this Act will be the first line of defence against some of the people who, from time to time, apparently ‘lean’ on these Forums and effectively stifle further comment.

All who write and contribute to greater understanding should support English PEN. They can be found at:

English PEN

http://www.libelreform.org