Snippets from The Reduced Law Dictionary, by Roderick Ramage
Defamation
Defamation is a form of tort. A defamatory statement is one which is made to a third party and disparages a person’s good name or the esteem in which he is held. If it is in writing it is a libel and damage is presumed, but if it is oral it is a slander, which is generally not actionable without proof of special damage. The main defences to a claim for defamation are justification (ie that the words are true), fair comment on a matter of public interest and absolute and qualified privilege. See also the Defamation Acts 1952 and 1996.
Durham fancy goods
In the good old days the Companies Act 1985, s 349 (1948, s 108) imposed personal liability on any person who signed a cheque, order for goods etc in which the company’s name is not properly stated. In Durham a bill of exchange in the name “M Jackson (Fancy Goods) Ltd” was accepted by Mr Jackson without correction. The name should have included Michael, not the initial M. He was
