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 personally
