Despite the Defamation Act 2013 raising the threshold for bringing a defamation claim, the most recent annual Judicial Statistics reveal a significant increase in the number of defamation claims (323 issued in 2019).
This represent an increase of 22% compared to 2018 (when 265 defamation claims were issued) and a staggering 107% increase compared to 2017 (when “only” 156 defamation claims were issued). It may be that the ability to publish defamatory statements on the internet is driving this significant increase. If one of the aims of the Defamation Act 2013 was to reduce the number of defamation claims, it has failed spectacularly. The relevant figures are in table 3.20:
In this news post – Dr Anton van Dellen
Dr Anton van Dellen has experience in a wide range of defamation proceedings, ranging from pre-action advice to fully contested High Court claims and appeals up to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. He also has sound experience in bringing Judicial Reviews and appeals against a wide range of public authorities, challenging decisions for being unlawful, irrational and/or failing to follow published guidance. High Net Worth clients are represented by Dr Anton van Dellen in a range of litigation involving disputes over assets.
