The Hillsborough Disaster
THE HILLSBOROUGH DISASTER
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PART 1 Critically discuss the role of defamation law as guardian of the truth, focussing on the inaccurate reporting, which led to The Sun newspaper publishing a front-page article, headlined “The Truth‟ on 19th April 1989.
Defamation law safeguards an individual’s rights against a defamatory statement that cause public contempt, hatred, or ridicule[1]. In Britain, the law of defamation is divided into two distinct sections; slander and libel. Slander is defamation in the transient form while libel is found in permanent from such as newspaper articles, online articles, or pictures. The law does not recognise the deceased as claimant even when represented by their relatives[2].
Defamatory law can be found in almost all jurisdictions in the world. the most importantly, most defamation laws in the world borrows heavily form English defamation laws. The intention of these laws is to seek a fair and just balance between the freedom of speech and protection of individual privacy and reputation.
Defamation law has been most pronounced in the British media industry. While it has influences the media both in a positive and negative ways, journalists are now more cautious about what they write. On the other hand, celebrities and other public personalities are now very concerned of what is being written about them. For Instance, Geoldof Peaches sued the Daily Star tabloid for damages after the paper alleged that she practiced prostitution at night. Geldoff complained to Press Complain Commission about the allegations that had a potential of damaging her colourful career. The Daily Star publishers on their part agreed that their story on Geldof lacked accuracy and was damaging to her reputation[3].
Defamatory cases by media have often led to massive outcry. Immediately after the Hillsborough Disaster, the Sun
Name:
Affiliation:
PART 1 Critically discuss the role of defamation law as guardian of the truth, focussing on the inaccurate reporting, which led to The Sun newspaper publishing a front-page article, headlined “The Truth‟ on 19th April 1989.
Defamation law safeguards an individual’s rights against a defamatory statement that cause public contempt, hatred, or ridicule[1]. In Britain, the law of defamation is divided into two distinct sections; slander and libel. Slander is defamation in the transient form while libel is found in permanent from such as newspaper articles, online articles, or pictures. The law does not recognise the deceased as claimant even when represented by their relatives[2].
Defamatory law can be found in almost all jurisdictions in the world. the most importantly, most defamation laws in the world borrows heavily form English defamation laws. The intention of these laws is to seek a fair and just balance between the freedom of speech and protection of individual privacy and reputation.
Defamation law has been most pronounced in the British media industry. While it has influences the media both in a positive and negative ways, journalists are now more cautious about what they write. On the other hand, celebrities and other public personalities are now very concerned of what is being written about them. For Instance, Geoldof Peaches sued the Daily Star tabloid for damages after the paper alleged that she practiced prostitution at night. Geldoff complained to Press Complain Commission about the allegations that had a potential of damaging her colourful career. The Daily Star publishers on their part agreed that their story on Geldof lacked accuracy and was damaging to her reputation[3].
Defamatory cases by media have often led to massive outcry. Immediately after the Hillsborough Disaster, the Sun
Bibliography: Football Disorder Act (2000) Football Disorder Bill (2001) The Football Spectators Act (1989) Football Disorder Act (1989) Football Act (1999) Other sources Alberstat, Media Production Agreements (1st, routelage, London 1996) 59 Barendt, E et al, Libel and the Media: The Chilling Effect (1st, Oxford University Press, New York 1997) 661 Smartt, U, Media Law for Journalists (1st, SAGE Publications, London 2006) 224 Pearson, M, The Journalist 's Guide to Media Law: Dealing with Legal and Ethical Issues (1st, Allen & Unwin Academi, London 20004) 198 ----------------------- [1] Alberstat, Media Production Agreements (1st, routelage, London 1996) 59 [2] Barendt, E et al, Libel and the Media: The Chilling Effect (1st, Oxford University Press, New York 1997) 661 [3] Smartt, U, Media Law for Journalists (1st, SAGE Publications, London 2006) 224 [6] Hooper, D, Reputations Under Fire: Winners and Losers in the Libel Business (1st, Warner, London 2000) 15 [7] Wright, J [8] The Football Spectators Act (1989) [9] Football Disorder Act (1989) [10] Football Act (1999)