Fair Comment - Definition - Law Dictionary Home Dictionary Definition fair-comment

Definition :

Fair comment. Fair comment on a matter of public interest is a good defence to an action of libel for words prima facie defamatory; but the defence will be of no avail if express malice is established, Thomas v. Bradbury, Agnew & Co., (1906) 2 KB 627. When the defence is one of fair comment the plaintiff is not entitled to particulars, Digby v. Financial News Ltd., (1907) 1 KB 502; but the defendant can administer interrogatories to the plaintiff, Walkr v. Hodgson, (1909) 1 KB 239. Whether words exceed the limit of 'fair comment' or not is a question for the jury, Dakhyl v. Labouchere, (1908) 2 KB 325 n. consult Odgers on Libel.

A statement based on writers or speakers honest opinion about a matter of public concern; Black's Law Dictionary, 7th Edn., p. 616.