Media and Defamation Law

The Pupillage Podcast

The recent announcement by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex --- aka Harry and Meghan --- that they are planning to sue Associated Newspapers after the Mail on Sunday published a private letter from Meghan to her father, has put the spotlight on media and defamation law – the topic of this episode of the pupillage podcast. We hear about celebrities and super injunctions, but also learn that nothing is beyond the reach of this fascinating area of law, from anti-semitism, to medical research, to the parish newsletter. If you’re interested in the conflict between free speech and privacy, and in truth and opinion then this episode is for you. Guests Felicity McMahon: barrister at 5RB https://www.5rb.com/member/felicity-mcmahon/ and on Twitter @bitofalegalgeek Master Adrienne Page QC: barrister at 5RB https://www.5rb.com/member/adrienne-page-qc/ Useful Links McNae’s Essential Law for Journalists, Mark Hanna & Mark Dodd https://www.amazon.co.uk/McNaes-Essential-Journalists-Mike- Dodd/dp/0198809573/ref=dp_ob_title_bk Glossary CFA: Conditional Fee Agreements – a no win, no fee agreement whereby a party only has to pay legal costs if they win their case; if they do not, there are no costs to pay. Recoverable Success Fees: an additional amount of the winning party’s legal fees which have to be paid by the losing party, which since 6 April 2019 are no longer permitted in defamation and privacy cases. IPSO – Independent Press Standards Organisation Master of the Bench – senior members of the Inns of Court Costs Masters – costs judge – judges sitting in the Senior Courts Costs Office QB Masters – Queen’s Bench Master, a judge who handles case management of cases in the Queens’ Bench Division