Defamation Law Quiz

• Defamation refers to a false statement published to a third party that harms the claimant's reputation.
• The burden of proof for establishing the truth of the statement or any other defense is on the defendant.
• Defamation actions are heard by a judge and jury, and legal aid is not available.
• Libel is defamation in writing or some other permanent form, while slander is spoken defamation or defamatory language in some other temporary form.
• Damage is presumed in cases of libel, but in cases of slander, the claimant has to prove actual loss.
• The distinction between libel and slander is relevant only to the issue of damages.
• Writers and broadcasters should determine when statements can be published with a reasonable degree of safety.
• Considerations include whether the piece is true, can be proved to be true, or is covered by other defenses to defamation.
• The subject of the piece may sue if the statement tends to lower them in the estimation of right-thinking members of society generally.
• The investigative journalist is particularly exposed to the risk of making a slanderous statement.

Test your knowledge on defamation law with this informative quiz. Learn about the differences between libel and slander, the burden of proof for defendants, and the potential consequences for writers and broadcasters who publish false statements. Explore the intricacies of defamation actions and the various considerations that must be taken into account before publishing potentially defamatory material. Whether you're a journalist, writer, or just interested in the law, this quiz is a must-try!