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Slander / Libel / Defamation

  • 06-12-2011 12:06am
    #1
    dfbemt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,398 ✭✭✭


    Confused about all of this, especially since the introduction of the 2009 Defamation Act.

    If a person utters an untruth about another to a 3rd party, knowing the statement to be untrue, can a civil action be taken against that person? The making of the statement has been proven following a workplace investigation.

    Under what legislation can a civil action be taken because the Defamation Act seems to only refer to the Printed Word or am I missing something?

    All replies appreciated


Comments

  • #2
    Robbo
    Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 10,581 Mod ✭✭✭✭Robbo


    dfbemt wrote: »
    Confused about all of this, especially since the introduction of the 2009 Defamation Act.

    If a person utters an untruth about another to a 3rd party, knowing the statement to be untrue, can a civil action be taken against that person? The making of the statement has been proven following a workplace investigation.

    Under what legislation can a civil action be taken because the Defamation Act seems to only refer to the Printed Word or am I missing something?

    All replies appreciated
    Section 2:
    “statement” includes—
    (a) a statement made orally or in writing,
    (b) visual images, sounds, gestures and any other method of
    signifying meaning,
    (c) a statement—
    (i) broadcast on the radio or television, or
    (ii) published on the internet, and
    (d) an electronic communication;
    You really need proper legal advice, a defamation action is not something to rush headlong into.


  • #3
    NoQuarter
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,632 ✭✭✭NoQuarter


    Its just defamation, there is no slander or libel any more, the 2009 Act done away with them.

    The short answer is yes. Publication is by ANY means so not just printed. It's not enough for the words to be untrue though, they have to lower the reputation of the person in societies eyes.

    Defamation cases are very expensive to bring though so you need to seek legal advice. It is taken under the Defamation Act 2009 but to be completely blunt, if you cant understand the legislation, you should not try bring the case on your own, you could end up with costs against you.


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