Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024

Public bill · Government · Presented

Juries would no longer hear defamation cases in the High Court, so those cases would be decided by a judge alone. The bill also updates defamation law to make online-only publications fit clearly within the rules, strengthens remedies such as corrections and apologies, and adds protections against abusive lawsuits meant to silence people speaking on matters of public interest. It also gives broadcasters, lawyers, and courts clearer rules for live broadcasts, alternative dispute resolution, and quick handling of false claims.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to provide that defamation actions in the High Court shall not be tried with a jury; to give effect to Directive (EU) 2024/1069 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 on protecting persons who engage in public participation from manifestly unfounded claims or abusive court proceedings (‘Strategic lawsuits against public participation’) in so far as it relates to defamation proceedings; for those and other purposes to amend the Defamation Act 2009; and to provide for related matters.

Last updated 27 February 2026