Why Ben Roberts-Smith defamation ruling has a long way to play out

by Chris Merritt | Jul 20, 2023 | Chris Merritt, Defamation, Media Article

In order to make sense of the Ben Roberts-Smith case, one important point needs to be kept in mind: this was not a war crimes trial or a murder trial – at least not officially. Allegations of murder and war crimes were at the heart of the argument. But the...

Australian Financial Review defamation loss a case study for law and journalism schools

by Chris Merritt | Feb 17, 2023 | Chris Merritt, Commentary, Defamation, Freedom of Speech, Media Article

On February 7 The Australian Financial Review lost a defamation case. Some saw it as an attack on journalism. This seems to be how it was viewed by Michael Stutchbury, the newspaper’s editor-in-chief. He said the loss “highlights how Australia’s defamation laws pose a...

After Lisa Wilkinson’s remarks about Brittany Higgins, can Bruce Lehrmann ever receive a fair trial?

by Chris Merritt | Jun 24, 2022 | Chris Merritt, Commentary, Defamation

After Lisa Wilkinson’s remarks about Brittany Higgins, can Bruce Lehrmann ever receive a fair trial? Chris Merritt                23 June 2022 Published in the Australian Newspaper By now, Lisa Wilkinson must understand the truly catastrophic consequences of her...

Anti-trolling bill levelling the playing field for social media

by Chris Merritt | Feb 1, 2022 | Chris Merritt, Commentary, Defamation, Freedom of Speech

Anti-trolling bill levelling the playing field for social media Chris Merritt                 7 January 2021 Published in the Australian Newspaper Defamation law purports to make it possible for people to restore their reputations after public attacks have brought...

Ruling ‘no remedy’ for Eryn Jean Norvill

by Chris Merritt | Feb 1, 2022 | Chris Merritt, Commentary, Defamation

Ruling ‘no remedy’ for Eryn Jean Norvill Chris Merritt                 7 January 2021 Published in the Australian Newspaper Former Law Council president Fiona McLeod QC believes the actress at the heart of the Geoffrey Rush defamation case has not been...

United bid to make cap fit on defamation payouts to stars

by Chris Merritt | Feb 1, 2022 | Chris Merritt, Commentary, Defamation

United bid to make cap fit on defamation payouts to stars Chris Merritt                 7 January 2021 Published in the Australian Newspaper A defamation reform plan that will go to state attorneys-general this month is expected to make Geoffrey Rush one of the last...