Defamation/ Libel

3.02.21

How the pandemic has changed civil litigation for the better

In April 2020, we looked at how the civil justice system were adapting during the first national lockdown.  Nearly a year on, many of those changes have become commonplace.  Whilst there have been ample temporary restrictions and moratoriums put in place during the Covid-19 pandemic which have been somewhat frustrating for parties currently and/or wishing…

8.01.21

Bad data in risk management databases

The inception of the General Data Protection Regulation (‘GDPR’) in May 2018 has made it easier for individuals within the UK and the EU (and sometimes those based elsewhere) to assert their data protection rights to object to the inclusion of false or outdated information about them in risk/compliance databases. In most jurisdictions, businesses operating…

10.12.20

The Times pays libel damages to barrister Barbara Hewson over death threat allegations

Times Newspapers Limited has agreed to pay libel damages and legal costs to barrister Barbara Hewson after reporting that she was accused of making death threats and persistent nuisance phone calls to a law student in complaints to the Bar Standards Board and Leicestershire police. Neither the Bar Standards Board nor Leicestershire police pursued the…

27.11.20

Tutors awarded £30,000 in libel damages after Facebook slur

In Antony & anr v Sivakumar, Richard Spearman QC, sitting as a deputy judge of the High Court, delivered an ex tempore judgment in which he ordered the defendant to pay both claimants £15,000 in damages. The Defendant had published a pseudonymous Facebook ‘review’ on the Claimants’ business page which made a false allegation of…

23.11.20

Brett Wilson LLP’s offices open for face-to-face consultations

Brett Wilson LLP’s London offices have reopened for face-to-face consultations.  Clients who would prefer to have a Skype, Teams or telephone consultation continue to have this option. The safety of clients and staff is of paramount importance.  The firm has a rigorous Covid-19 protocol, approved by the British Safety Council.  All staff and visitors are…

Should the Supreme Court be less supreme?

The Telegraph has reported that Ministers are understood to be discussing plans to change the name of the Supreme Court, cut the number of permanent judges, and bring in new judges with “specialist” knowledge to hear individual cases.  The government has been considering reform since last year when the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that Boris…

10.11.20

High Court finds wife-beating allegations against Johnny Depp to be substantially true.  Should libel claimants be nervous?

The recent libel judgment handed down in Depp II v News Group Newspapers Ltd [2020] EWHC 2911 (QB) has made headlines around the world and has captured the attention of the public.  It has also been a devastating personal blow for Mr Depp.  He was faced with a libel claimant’s nightmare scenario: a Court finding…

22.10.20

Brett Wilson LLP and its lawyers recommended in Chambers and Partners 2021 directory

Brett Wilson LLP’s Defamation/Reputation Management and Criminal Defence teams have again been recommended by the prestigious Chambers and Partners directory. Partners Iain Wilson (noted for being an ‘astute and bold lawyer who is not afraid to take on any sort of challenge in media and civil litigation. He has an impressive creative and courageous edge…

Cameras in court: should we be doing more to facilitate open justice in the civil system?

Media lawyers will have experienced, or at least be aware of, an anonymised claimant having been stripped of their anonymity by a court.  MLA became Rhodes, PNM became Khuja and JMO and KTA became Khan and Khan etc.  In each case, the court decided in favour of the overarching principle of open justice. The principles…

1.10.20

Brett Wilson LLP’s departments and lawyers recognised by Legal 500

Brett Wilson LLP has been recommended in three categories in the prestigious Legal 500 directory of leading law firms:- Reputation Management Professional Discipline Crime (General) Media and communications law partners Iain Wilson (noted for his ‘sharp intellect and an absolute commitment to the client’s cause’) and Max Campbell (‘a rising star… with a deep knowledge…