Fair Comment - Law Dictionary Search Results
Home Dictionary Name: fair commentFair comment
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....
fair comment
fair comment : a common-law privilege to criticize and comment on matters of public interest without being liable for defamation provided that the comment is an honest expression of opinion and free of malice ...
Libel
Libel [fr. libellus, Lat.; libelle, Fr.]. False defamatory words, if written and published, constitute a libel: Odgers on libel, p. 1. 'Everything printed or written, which reflects on the character of another, and is published without lawful justification or excuse, is a libel whatever the intention may have been', O'Brien v. Clement, (1846) 15 M & W 435, per Parke, B. A statement in a talking film is a libel and not merely a slander, Yossopoff v. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture Corporation, 78 Sol Jo 617. As to publication by dictation, etc., to a typist, see Osborn v. Boulter & Son, (1930) 2 KB 226. All contumelious matter that tends to degrade a man in the opinion of his neighbours, or to make him ridiculous, will amount (when conveyed in writing, or by picture, effigy, or the like, Monson v. Tussauds, Ltd., (1894)1 QB 671, to libel. A writing of fictitious character which incidentally contains the name of a real person may be a libel: see Jones v. Hulton & Co., 1910 AC 20, where Lord ...
Criticism, comment
Criticism, comment.-The judgmentor opinionof anyone upon a book, play, or picture submitted for public approval. As to when criticism is fair and honest and no libel, see Joynt v. Cycle Trade Publishing Co., (1904) 2 KB 292; Thomas v. Bradbury, Agnew & Co. Ltd., (1906) 2 KB 627. Consult Odgers on Libel....
Justification
Justification, a maintaining or showing a sufficient reason in court why the defendant did what he is called upon to answer, particularly in an action of libel; a defence of justification is a defence showing the libel to be true, or in an action of assault showing the violence to have been necessary.If in a libel action a defendant pleads justification he must give particulars of the matters upon which he intends to rely in support of his plea (see (English) R.S.C., Order XXXVI., r. 37); but it is otherwise if the plea is only one of fair comment, Digby v. Financial News, Ltd., (1907) 1 KB 502. Consult Odgers on Libel.Means (1) A lawful or sufficient reason for one's acts or omissions (2) A showing, in court, of a sufficient reason why a defendant did what the plaintiff or prosecution charges the defendant to answer for. Also termed justification defense; necessity defense (3) A surety's proof of having enough money or credit to provide security for the party for whom it is required. ...
Malice
Malice [fr. malitia, Lat.], a formed design of doing mischief to another, technically called malitia pr'cogitata, or malice prepense or aforethought. It is either express, as when one with a sedate and deliberate mind and formed design kills another, which formed design is evidenced by certain circumstances discovering such intentions, as lying in wait, antecedent menaces, former grudges, and concerted schemes to do him some bodily harm; or implied, as where one wilfully poisons another; in such a deliberate act the law presumes malice, though no particular enmity can be proved. The nature of implied malice is also illustrated by the maxim, 'Culpa lata dolo 'quiparatur'-when negligence reaches a certain point it is the same as intentional wrong-'Every one must be taken to intend that which his the natural consequence of his actions'-if any one acts in exactly the same way as he would do it he bore express malice to another, he cannot be allowed to say he does not, 4 Steph. Com.'Malice ...
Comments on public news
Comments on public news, 'comments on public news' reports of the judgments of the Courts as well as comments on such judgments mean 'comments on public news', All India Reporter Karamchari Singh v. AIR Ltd., AIR 1988 SC 1325 (1331). [Working Journalists and other Newspaper Employees (Conditions of Service) and Miscellaneous Act, 1955, s. 2(b)]...
Fairs
Fairs [fr. foire, Fr.; forum nundin', Lat.]. these institutions are very closely allied to markets. A fair is a greater species of market, recurring at more distant intervals. No fair can be held without a grant from the Crown, or a prescription which supposes such grant. Before a patent is granted it is usual to have a writ of ad quod damnum executed and returned, that it may not be issued to the prejudice of another fair or market already existing. The grant usually contains a clause that it shall not be to the hurt of another fair or market; but this clause, if omitted, would be implied; for if the franchise occasion damage, either to the Crown or a subject, in any respect, it will be revoked; and a person whose ancient title is prejudiced is entitled to have a scire facias in the King's name to repeal the letters-patent. If His Majesty grant power to hold a fair or market in a particular place, the lieges can resort to no other, even though it be inconvenient. But if no place be ap...
Markets and fairs
Markets and fairs. The right to hold a market or fair, i.e., to hold organized meetings of persons for the purpose of buying and selling, is derived from a royal grant either actual or to be presumed from long usage. Markets and fairs in large towns of modern growth are, however, frequently held under special Acts which incorporate the (English) Markets and Fairs Clauses Act, 1847 (10 & 11 Vict. c. 14), or under the Public Health Act, 1875. The following Acts regulate markets and fairs:-Metropolitan Fairs Act, 1868; Fairs Acts, 1871 and 1873; Markets and Fairs (Weighing of Cattle) Acts, 1887 and 1891, and 1926. See Newcastle (Duke of) v. Workshop U.D.C., (1902) 2 Ch 145; and consult Pease and Chitty on Markets and Fairs. See FAIRS AND MANOR....
Fair trial
Fair trial, means a trial in which bias or prejudice for or against the accused, the witnesses, or the cause which is being tried is eliminated. If the witnesses get threatened or are forced to give false evidence that also would not result in a fair trial. The failure to hear material witnesses is certainly denial of fair trial. The fair trial for a criminal offence consists not only in technical observance of the frame and forms of law, but also in recognition and just application on its principles in substance, to find out the truth and prevent miscarriage of justice, Zahira Habibulla H. Sheikh v. State of Gujarat, (2004) 4 SCC 158 (187). (Constitution of India, Art. 21).A trial by an impartial and disinterested tribunal is accordance with regular procedure, Black's Law Dictionary, 7th Edn., p. 617.Mean a trial before an impartial judge, a fair prosecutor and atmosphere of judicial claim. Fair trial means a trial in which bias or prejudice for or against the accused, witnesses or th...
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