Public fora and the law

[Monyx]

Just a timely reminder, it is regarded in Australia that a defamatory matter is defined as published matter which tends to:

* adversely affect the reputation of a person
* deter others from associating or dealing with a person
* expose a person to ridicule, or
* injure a person in their occupation or financial standing.

Yes there are defences based on truth, public interest, contextual truth etc., but it rapidly gets expensive and/or consuming explaining yourself through the proper channels. It doesn't help that there is no single piece of legislation that covers this.