Reynolds Defence

What Is the Reynolds Defence in Tort Law?

Quick Definition

The Reynolds Defence, also known as the "Reynolds Privilege," was a legal defence in defamation cases that protected journalists publishing statements on matters of public interest, provided they acted responsibly and in good faith. It has since been replaced by the "public interest" defence under the Defamation Act 2013.

In Context

The Reynolds Defence originated from the case Reynolds v. Times Newspapers Ltd (1999), where the House of Lords set out criteria for when journalists could claim this defence. The criteria included the seriousness of the allegation, the nature of the information, and the steps taken to verify the story. Although the defence aimed to balance freedom of expression with protection from defamation, it was often criticised for its complexity. The Defamation Act 2013 simplified this by introducing a statutory defence for publications on matters of public interest, making it easier for journalists to navigate.

See Also

• Qualified Privilege

• Defamation

• Public Interest Defence

Learn More

For a deeper dive into the Reynolds Defence and its evolution, explore our Tort Law Notes for detailed case law, examples, and revision tips.