Law of Defamation & Malicious Prosecution

Law of Defamation & Malicious Prosecution is an accessible yet authoritative guide that brings doctrinal clarity and courtroom utility to two frequently litigated areas of civil and penal law. The book begins with foundational concepts—reputation, publication, imputations and legal thresholds—then examines statutory frameworks and penal provisions where criminal defamation continues to apply. It systematically unpacks elements of civil defamation claims and of the tort of malicious prosecution: actionable publication, falsity, malice, absence of reasonable and probable cause, and special damage. Defences are treated with practical emphasis—truth and public interest, qualified and absolute privilege, responsible journalism and apology/retraction procedures—and chapters offer tactical guidance on plea/strike-out, interim injunctions, and defensive strategies for website intermediaries and social-media disputes. A dedicated damages module explains principles of compensation, aggravated and exemplary damages, mitigation, and quantification methodologies illustrated with case examples. The volume includes model plaints, replies, settlement clauses, takedown notices and appellate briefs, plus checklists for pre-action protocol, evidence preservation and witness preparation. Edited for practitioners and scholars, the book balances academic cross-references with reproducible forms so counsel can litigate, settle or advise with confidence.