Defamation Law

​Publication of false and defamatory content or reviews whether in newspapers, radio or television or on websites, social media and business networking platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn can cause significant harm to both personal and business reputation and financial losses. Stephens Lawyers & Consultants advises both individuals, businesses and corporations in all aspects of defamation law and injurious falsehood. Stephens Lawyers assists clients with:

  • Removal of false and defamatory content or reviews including seeking court orders for removal and to stop further publication.
  • Identifying the individuals involved in the publication false and defamatory content or reviews through the process of court ordered pre-trial discovery or the use of IT forensic experts.
  • Seeking an apology and compensation from the publisher of the false and defamatory material through a dispute resolution process or court proceedings.
  • Developing strategies for managing and responding to reputational damage.
  • Defending defamation claims relying on the defence of truth and other defences available under the Australian Uniform Defamation Law.

Stephens Lawyers also reviews books, scripts, films, advertisements, articles and other material for defamatory and misleading or deceptive content prior to publication. We also work with individuals and organisations in the development and implementation of policies to minimise the risk of actions for defamation or injurious falsehood including vicarious liability actions against companies for communications made by their employees.

Links to Publications:

Damages for Online Defamation – the “Serious Harm” Element – Recent Cases – 2 December 2022 to 4 August 2023

Damages for Online Defamation – Recent Cases – 1 March 2022 to 1 December 2022

Damages for On-line Defamation – Recent Cases – June 2019 to February 2022 (Updated March 2022)

Australian Uniform Defamation Laws Update – March 2021

Damages for On-line Defamation-Recent Case-June 2019- February 2021

Damages for On-line Defamation – Recent Cases – June 2019 to September 2020

Interlocutory Injunctions in defamation and injurious falsehood: Recent cases (25 August 2020)

Defamation of Business – Maintaining a strong business reputation – Update – March 2020

Damages for On-line Defamation – Recent Cases [2015 – October 2019] – Update, October 2019

Defamation of a Business: Maintaining a strong business reputation – October 2018

High Court Rules Against Google in On-line Defamation Case – August 2018

Non-disparagement clauses in standard form contracts – June 2018

Social Media and Defamation (August 2015)

Australian Uniform Defamation Laws Update – May 2015

Online Defamation – Significant damages for reputational damages awarded

Legal Traps: the Internet & the Office – Employer Liability for Employee Internet misuse

The Uniform Defamation Laws Reform 2006