On the grounds of public policy and in order to preserve and protect the cherished right of freedom of speech, certain statements which may be defamatory are protected by law. The public interest in free speech is allowed to override the private right of interest of a person whose reputation has been injured.Explain the four essential aspects of the defense of fair comment in an action for defamation
For the defense of fair comment to be sustainable it must be evident that:
• The matter commented was one of public interest.
•The statement was an opinion not as assertion of fact.
•The opinion is based on facts.
•The statement was not maliciously made
Share through
