Year: 2003

More...    September 22, 2003

Signorelli v Sonda

Defamation case over letters from mayor of Sutherland Shire. Judge Judith Gibson sets aside jury verdict because, whatever the test adopted, she says it was perverse ... more

 
More...    September 18, 2003

Paul Reading v Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Justice Shaw who, as NSW Attorney General, introduced the section 7A “reform” despairs at his creation. The division of functions between jury and judge may be “the wrong way round”. He finds a jury decision in favour of the ABC and Four Corners “perverse” and orders a new trial ... more

 
More...    September 12, 2003

John Fairfax Publications Pty Ltd v Rivkin

Callinan J writes the leading judgment on jury “perversity” in s.7A defamation trials. The High Court sends five of Rene Rivkin’s imputations back for retrial. Scratchy differences between Kirby and McHugh ... more

 
Damages    September 3, 2003

Cullen v White

An internet defamation case where a US resident defamed a university lecturer in Perth. Defendant established a website defaming the plaintiff. Sent emails containing false allegations to the plaintiff�s colleagues. False allegations also published on the website in extravagant and offensive language. Imputations that the plaintiff was a paedophile, had committed academic fraud, committed blackmail by falsifying his credentials, was a dangerous felon and falsely pretended to be a priest. … more

 
Dossier    August 27, 2003

Story

Justice Henric Nicholas to take over busy NSW defamation list in unconventional equity-common law double header ... more

 
Trial reports    August 27, 2003

Foreign Media Pty Ltd v Konstantinidis

NSW Court of Appeal upholds right of a jury to have an English language transcript of Greek radio broadcasts. Assessment of a transitory publication not undermined ... more