Reputation is everything, so they say. Sporting identities, Entertainers, Professional Advisers, Religious Leaders and yes, even Politicians can have their careers irreparably damaged if their reputations are tarnished or besmirched by rumour, innuendo and falsehood.

It is little wonder then that actions for defamation and, increasingly, for breach of privacy and confidence, are regularly brought in our Courts. Defamation law and practice is very much a patchwork quilt of principles, rules and regulations and terms of art which at times can seem bewildering or unfathomable.

Knowing when and how to deal with the Media can also be critically important for companies and individuals caught up in high profile or newsworthy incidents, where defamation is not an issue but personal or business reputation is.

Media must also navigate a complex legal regime facing many challenging issues ranging from journalists' sources and privacy issues to court reporting restrictions.

 

The Defamation and Media Group practices in: