In message <[log in to unmask]>, at 14:48:30 on
Mon, 14 Nov 2005, C.Oppenheim <[log in to unmask]> writes
>To the best of my knowledge the fact that the beliefs are genuinely
>held is no defence against an action for defamation, though no doubt it
>would reduce the level of damages payable. I understand that as long
>as the statement lowers the reputation of the individual in the eyes of
>others, it is actionable. A defence is that the statement (that he
>stole) is the truth - but the defendant would have to provide
>convincing evidence of that claim.
Indeed, but the reference is still "truthful" as far as most laymen
understand the term - the people giving the reference believe it to be
true. Clearly, legal truthfulness is somewhat more complex than this.
--
Roland Perry
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