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Published by The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body
Defamation and Malicious Publication (Scotland) Bill
Author: Angus Evans and Abigail Bremner
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Published: Wednesday 11 Mar 2020 (SB 20-22)
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Overview
Report
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Overview
Report
The main issues
Terminology
The Bill - important dates and documents
What are the Bill's main objectives?
Balancing human rights
What is the background to the Bill?
Reform in England and Wales
Most of the English reforms were not followed in Scotland
Scottish Law Commission review
Justice Committee work and Scottish Government consultation
What exactly are defamation and verbal injury?
Defamation - what are the sources of law?
Online content and free speech
The current law limits the liability of internet intermediaries for defamation
The "take-down" procedure in England and Wales
The SLC recommendations for online content
Defamation - summary of the main legal principles
How is defamation defined in law?
The presumptions of falsehood and malice - there is no need for intention to defame
No need for communication to third parties
No threshold for harm before court action for defamation can be raised
Who can bring a defamation action?
Which courts can deal with defamation actions?
Cut-off periods for actions and the multiple publication rule
What costs are involved in bringing and defending defamation actions?
What are the defences to a defamation action?
Truth or "veritas"
Fair comment
Public interest
Absolute and qualified privilege
Absolute privilege
Qualified Privilege
Internet intermediaries
Defamation - what legal remedies exist?
Defamation - what would the Bill change?
Statutory definition of defamation
Need for communication to a third party
Introduction of a serious harm threshold
Bodies trading for profit and serious harm
Single publication rule and one year limitation period
Public authorities
Secondary publishers and internet intermediaries
Defences
Privileged publication
Remedies
Jurisdiction
Defamation of deceased people
Verbal injury - what are the main legal principles?
Verbal injury - what would the Bill change?
Brexit
Sources
Image: The main issues
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