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biosectinvestor

03/07/24 9:32 AM

#676963 RE: User-840664 #676943

The posts are off-topic.

So now the out of fake stories that have not been whipped to death, stories 20 years old even, shorts are claiming academic fraud at Kings College Hospital, Cambridge…

I would hate to be anyone the target of a very serious suit for defamation.


Here is a bit of a teaser:

Under UK law, the risks of recklessly libeling or slandering eminent doctors—or any individual—can be significant, both legally and financially. Here’s an outline of the key points:

1. **Definition of Libel and Slander**: Libel refers to defamation in permanent form, such as written or published statements, whereas slander refers to defamation in transient form, like spoken words or gestures. In the UK, defamation laws cover both libel and slander, protecting individuals' reputations from unjustified harm.

2. **Legal Consequences**: The UK's defamation laws are known to be strict. If someone is found to have libeled or slandered another person, the court may order the defendant to:
- Pay damages to the plaintiff for harm to their reputation.
- Issue a retraction or apology.
- Pay legal costs, which can be substantial in defamation cases.

3. **Serious Harm Requirement**: The Defamation Act 2013 introduced a "serious harm" threshold for defamation cases in England and Wales, meaning that it must be shown that the defamatory statement caused or is likely to cause serious harm to the plaintiff's reputation. For eminent doctors, this could include harm to their professional reputation, which may be easier to demonstrate due to their public standing and reliance on professional credibility.

4. **Financial Risks**: Damages awarded in defamation cases can be high, especially if the claimant's professional reputation has been significantly damaged, leading to loss of income or standing within their profession. Legal costs can also be substantial, and even if the defendant wins, they may not recover all their legal expenses.

5. **Reputation Damage**: Beyond legal consequences, individuals who recklessly libel or slander others may suffer from reputational damage, affecting their personal and professional relationships.

Given the serious risks and complexities involved in defamation cases, it's advisable to exercise caution and seek legal advice before making or publishing potentially defamatory statements about anyone, including eminent doctors.