Read the review first published in Ethos - Journal of the ACT Law Society.Read the review first published in the Law Institute Journal - Law Institute of Victoria .The law of defamation strikes a delicate balance between the rights of freedom of speech and protection of reputation. In Australia there is no general right to publish statements freely and without inhibition. Defamation Law in Australia is an essential reference work for not only legal practitioners, but also publishers, journalists and students of this area of law. Following the introduction of the Defamation Act 2005, defamation law is now substantially uniform. The provisions of the Defamation Act 2005 are identified and explained and important topics such as reputation and freedom of speech are explored. A full reproduction of the Defamation Act 2005 is provided in an Appendix, together with a Comparative Table of Defamation Statutes, contrasting the previous legislation with the new Act.This second edition has been completely revised to reflect changes to legislation and case law, including an analysis of major High Court and Court of Appeal decisions relating to defences of truth, common law qualified privilege and fair comment. It addresses new developments in invasion of privacy law in Australia and explores topical issues such as the procedure to identify publishers of online defamatory material.

1. Introduction -- 2. Is a defamatory meaning conveyed? English and Australian law -- 3. Defences relevant to meaning : English and Australian law -- 4. Meaning : English defamation practice -- 5. Meaning : New South Wales defamation practice -- 6. Meaning : Victorian defamation practice -- 7. Qualified privilege : English and Australian law and practice -- 8. US defamation law and practice -- 9. Lucas-box and Polly Peck in Australia -- 10. Comparative defamation law and practice.

This book provides a comprehensive, authoritative, and state-of-the-art discussion of fundamental legal issues in intermediary liability online, while also describing advancement in intermediary liability theory and identifying recent policy trends.

Australian Media Law details and explains the complex case law, legislation and regulations governing media practice in areas as diverse as journalism, advertising, multimedia and broadcasting. It examines the issues affecting traditional forms of media such as television, radio, film and newspapers as well as for recent forms such as the internet, online forums and digital technology, in a clear and accessible format.