Defamation Lawyers in Sydney That Value Client Relationships
If someone has publicly damaged your reputation, or if you have been accused of having done this to someone else – Atkinson Vinden’s Australian defamation lawyers can help you.
What is defamation?
Defamation of character occurs when one person communicates untrue or unsubstantiated material that causes reputational damage to another – without having a legal defence for doing so. It can take the form of a verbal statement (slander) or a written statement (libel), and needs to be communicated to one or more third parties.
The definition of defamation in NSW is primarily governed by the state’s Defamation Act 2005 (the Act). The Act effectively allows for action to be taken when something defamatory is “published” through a range of different contexts and media. It could take place in an article, report, advertisement or another form of content communicated via a newspaper, magazine, radio station, the internet or other communication methods. It could be written in a public letter or note, or stated orally without a written record.
A number of parties can be sued in a defamation case, including:
- The original author;
- The person quoted or interviewed;
- The journalist or publisher;
- The television/radio station or broadcast media owner;
- The website/social media channel owner
In general, only individuals can bring defamation proceedings forward. Sometimes, not-for-profits and companies with less than ten people can sue for defamation. Larger companies can sue for “injurious falsehood” instead.
How We Can Provide Expert Advice on Your Defamation Case
Defamation cases are, by and large, extremely complex and therefore frequently require the assistance of a legal defamation expert. If you are looking for a Sydney lawyer who has experience in defamation law, or for further information in relation to any defamation issues or other areas of dispute, please do not hesitate to contact our Disputes team.