Defamation and Privacy Laws

The laws of defamation serve to protect a person’s good name. If an untrue or misleading statement is made about a person in a public forum it can have a highly damaging effect.

In order for a statement to be defamatory, it needs to have been made publicly. A defamatory publication can take on many forms, they can be written or verbal, published in the media or online, or could comprise texts, emails, social media posts and online reviews.

Gordon Legal acts for people whose reputation has been damaged by a defamatory publication or comment.

We also act for people who have been accused of making a defamatory statement to guide them through the process and to try and limit their exposure to a potential legal claim.

In some cases, defendants may seek to dispute an allegation of defamation made against them on the basis that what was published was true, it was an honestly held opinion, or they were otherwise legally permitted to make the statement.

Privacy legislation prevents wrongful disclosure and misuse of an individual’s private information. These statutory laws work alongside the law concerning breach of confidence.

In some cases, it may be appropriate for a person to notify the Privacy Commissioner to investigate an unlawful inference with privacy. In other instances, it may be more advantageous for an individual to pursue a legal remedy through the Courts.

Gordon Legal acts for people whose privacy has been unlawfully interfered with and/or whose confidential information has been disclosed without authorisation.

Our lawyers are highly skilled in advising clients on how to protect their reputation and private information. We have acted for media and business figures seeking to protect their reputation. We have also acted for small business owners who have had their reputation tarnished by defamatory statements made by others. We also act for everyday people who have had their reputation and character unfairly attacked and/or privacy unlawfully interfered with.