Statistics show that the number of defamation claims are on the rise

The number of defamation claims that were issued in 2014 have risen by 60% when compared to 2013 figures according to Judicial Statistics published in June by Court Statistics Quarterly: Jan-Mar.  This is a surprising trend given the widespread suggestion that the implementation of the Defamation Act 2013 would dissuade a large number of people from issuing libel claims.