Defamation and Privacy

What this page covers

This unit sits in the Tort and Delict strand of Civil law. Most of what is listed is about defamation: what makes a statement defamatory, the difference between slander and libel, and the defences a defendant can raise. One mind map looks at breach of confidence, which brings in the privacy side of the unit.

Where to start

Begin with the flashcard deck Slander and Libel. It asks what separates the two, what the criteria for slander are, and what section 14 of the Defamation Act 2013 allows. Then move to LA3 Defamation, which asks for the definition of a defamatory statement and how section 1 of the 2013 Act affected it.

1. Slander and Libel, for the basic split.
2. LA3 Defamation, for the definition.
3. Intro to Defences, for the burden of proof and the two types of defence.
4. Privilege and other Defences, for absolute and qualified privilege.

Using the maps with the cards

Flashcards are good for recalling rules and case names. Mind maps show how the pieces connect. The Honest Comment map sets out public interest, true facts and honestly held opinion. The map on the defendant's case shows the choice between disputing meaning and turning to defences such as truth, honest opinion or privilege. After a deck, open a map and check whether you can rebuild the links from memory.

The Lecutre - Defamation - Defences map is worth a look for its branches on absolute privilege, qualified privilege and common examples such as reporting a crime. There is also a map on remedies, and a note called Defamation - CASE LIST that teachers may find handy for building a reading list.

Where the gaps are

The page has no quizzes, so the flashcard decks are your self-testing tool. Several of the decks cover the same ground from different angles, so comparing them can show you where your own understanding is thin.

Pick one deck today, work through it, then open the matching map to see the whole picture.