There are two forms of Defamation; Libel and Slander.
Libel - This is the written version of a published false statement that is damaging to a persons reputation.
Slander - This is the spoken version of a false statement that could damage a persons reputation.
There are a number of defences that come with Defamation. These are the rules, the guidelines, that allow decisions to be made about what sanctions can be applied. These are:
- Fair Comment - This is an expressed opinion based on Public Interest.
- Privilege - This is a statement from an official source. For example, if the Police release a statement that says they are undertaking a missing person's investigation on a missing boy from Portsmouth, then you are allowed to say that he is missing.
- Public Interest - These are statements that are made that are of interest to the public if they concern health,
