Libel – Meaning – CPR Part 18
The Claimant sued over a front page article in the Daily Telegraph concerning his playing record as a professional tennis player. The Defendant denied that the words, in context, were defamatory, and alternatively alleged that if they were, then the defamatory sting was justified. The Defendant sought an order that the Claimant provide further information as to his case concerning certain terms said by the Defendant to be in common usage in relation to tennis.
Whether the Claimant should be order to provide the further information requested
The Defendant’s questions were ordered to be “answered constructively, rather than merely by way of non-admission”.
This case illustrates the extent to which a Claimant may be required to respond in detail to the case pleaded in the Defence, even if he does not accept the premise of that case.
