The Defamation Act 2013: Pathway to Reform

Dr Matthew Collins QC discusses the pathway that led to passage of the Defamation Act 2013. He describes Lord Lester's private member's bill of 2010 as the foundation for the reforms which followed. Collins notes that the reforms were informed by wide-ranging public consultation before coming into force on 1 January 2014. He concludes that the Act generally rebalances defamation law towards freedom of expression and away from the protection of reputation, a "remarkable outcome" given that the reforms were passed against the backdrop of the revelations before Lord Leveson's inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of the press.
Collins on Defamation analyses the topical and complex area of defamation law and related causes of action, drawing on international research and engaging in comparative analysis. Collins on Defamation also includes an exhaustive set of precedents for common notices and pleadings, and a full examination and analysis of the Defamation Act 2013. For more information, please visit:oxford.ly/1ezSwaR
Dr Matthew Collins QC is an Australian barrister and academic. He is also the author of The Law of Defamation and the Internet (Oxford University Press, 2001, 2005, 2010).