Defamation Law: Protect Your Reputation with Legal Knowledge

Question 1

Which of the following is considered a 'per se' defamatory statement in English law?

Accepted Answer

An accusation of theft

Answer

A statement that someone is a liar

Answer

A statement that someone is a bad driver

Answer

A statement that someone is unattractive

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of the Defamation Act 2013 in English law?

Accepted Answer

To modernize and reform the law of defamation

Answer

To provide greater protection to freedom of speech

Answer

To create a new category of 'serious harm' defamation

Answer

To abolish the tort of defamation

Question 3

What is the key distinction between libel and slander?

Accepted Answer

Libel is written and permanent, while slander is spoken and transient

Answer

Slander is more serious than libel

Answer

They are essentially the same tort

Question 4

Which defense to defamation allows the defendant to prove the truth of the allegedly defamatory statement?

Accepted Answer

Justification

Answer

Absolute privilege

Answer

Qualified privilege

Answer

Fair comment

Question 5

How does malice differ from negligence in the context of defamation?

Accepted Answer

Malice requires intent to harm, while negligence does not

Answer

Negligence requires intent to harm, while malice does not

Answer

There is no difference between malice and negligence in defamation law

Answer

Malice is a more serious offense than negligence

Question 6

What type of defamation is communicated through the spoken word?

Accepted Answer

Slander

Answer

Libel

Answer

Calumny

Answer

Injuria

Question 7

Which landmark UK case expanded the scope of defamation liability to include online platforms?

Accepted Answer

Godfrey v. Demon Internet

Answer

Reynolds v. Times Newspapers

Answer

Byrne v. Deane

Answer

Jameel v. Wall Street Journal Europe Sprl

Question 8

In the context of defamation, 'publication' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Making the defamatory statement public through any means

Answer

Communicating the defamatory statement to a third party

Answer

Intentionally causing the defamatory statement to be made

Answer

Publishing the statement in a newspaper or magazine

Question 9

Which of the following factors is NOT considered when determining whether a statement is defamatory?

Accepted Answer

The plaintiff's personal beliefs

Answer

The literal meaning of the words used

Answer

The context in which the statement was made

Answer

The defendant's intended purpose

Question 10

True or False: Slander is only actionable if it causes special damages.

Accepted Answer

False

Answer

True

Question 11

What is the significance of the 'serious harm' threshold in defamation?

Accepted Answer

It affects the availability of certain defenses

Answer

It determines whether a statement is defamatory

Answer

It applies to both libel and slander

Answer

It is only relevant in cases involving public figures

Question 12

In an action for defamation, which defense is considered the most robust?

Accepted Answer

Justification (truth)

Answer

Consent

Answer

Privilege

Answer

Statute of limitations

Question 13

Which type of defamation is actionable without proof of actual harm?

Accepted Answer

Libel

Answer

Slander

Answer

Innuendo

Answer

Trade libel

Question 14

Which of the following is a common law defense to defamation?

Accepted Answer

Fair comment

Answer

Statutory immunity

Answer

Contributory negligence

Answer

Mitigation of damages

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT an essential element of defamation?

Accepted Answer

Truth

Answer

Specific reference to the plaintiff

Answer

Publication

Answer

Serious harm to reputation

Question 16

The 'malice' requirement in defamation cases refers primarily to:

Accepted Answer

The intent to cause harm or recklessness in publishing the defamatory statement.

Answer

An absence of reasonable care in verifying the truth of the statement.

Answer

A deliberate attempt to injure the plaintiff's reputation.

Question 17

The tort of defamation protects:

Accepted Answer

Reputation

Answer

Physical harm

Answer

Economic loss

Answer

Privacy

Question 18

The principle of 'contextual meaning' in defamation law refers to:

Accepted Answer

The meaning of the statement must be considered in the context of the whole communication in which it was made.

Answer

The intention of the speaker is the most important factor.

Answer

The literal meaning of the statement takes precedence.

Question 19

The primary distinction between libel and slander is that:

Accepted Answer

Libel is a permanent form of defamation, while slander is transient.

Answer

Libel requires greater harm than slander.

Answer

Libel is only actionable if it causes financial loss.