Defamation Act 2013

The Defamation Act 2013 came into effect on 1 January 2014. The Act seeks to give better protection to freedom of expression, whilst ensuring adequate redress for individuals whose reputations have been damaged unfairly.

It reforms aspects of the law of defamation, as well as modernising and codifying common law principles and defences.

This note describes the background to the Defamation Act 2013 and summarises the main provisions. It also describes the procedural and cost reforms which accompanied the Act.