Asked by Ntswaki Mereki on May 01, 2024
Verified
Joe is a publisher for a newspaper and relied on Harry's account when he published an article stating that a councillor, Sam, had been caught making indecent telephone calls. It turned out later that Joe had misunderstood, and it was someone else that had made the calls. Sam sued for defamation. Will he succeed?
Indecent Telephone Calls
Calls made with the intention of causing annoyance, inconvenience, or needless anxiety through obscene or offensive language.
Sued For Defamation
Being sued for defamation involves legal proceedings initiated against a person or entity for making false statements that cause harm to someone's reputation.
- Obtain a comprehension of the key legal doctrines and protective pleas in defamation law.
- Gain insight into the constituents and application of qualified and absolute privilege as defenses in defamation cases.
- Recognize the role of fair comment and public interest in the defense against defamation claims.
Verified Answer
HS
Haneen SaraheenMay 07, 2024
Final Answer :
Yes, mistake is no defence to a defamation action. If Sam was a public figure, then the defence of fair comment may be available.
Learning Objectives
- Obtain a comprehension of the key legal doctrines and protective pleas in defamation law.
- Gain insight into the constituents and application of qualified and absolute privilege as defenses in defamation cases.
- Recognize the role of fair comment and public interest in the defense against defamation claims.