True or False
•True/False: Opinions are always protected under law?
False – they must be clearly presented as opinions, not facts.
Can a false review about food hygiene be defamation?
Yes, especially if it causes business loss.
Can defamation be spoken or only written?
It can be spoken (slander) or written (libel).
Can a minor insult meet the serious harm threshold?
No, minor insults do not usually meet the threshold.
Can free speech ever go too far?
Yes, when it causes serious harm without justification.
True/False: You can be sued for a friend’s comment on your post?
True – as in Dylan Voller’s case.
Is calling a teacher a thief on social media defamation?
Yes, if it's false and harms their professional reputation.
Give an example of a defamatory statement.
'John Smith is a thief' (if untrue).
Why was the serious harm test introduced?
To prevent minor or petty claims from going to court.
Why is free speech important in society?
It allows people to express opinions and hold power to account.
True/False: Defamation only applies to celebrities?
False – anyone can be defamed.
Is a joke about someone’s bad haircut defamation?
No, unless it causes serious reputational harm (unlikely).
What makes a statement defamatory?
It must harm someone's reputation in the eyes of others.
How do courts decide if harm is 'serious'?
They assess actual or likely impact on reputation and consequences like lost work.
Why do reputations need legal protection?
False claims can unfairly damage someone’s life or career.
True/False: Serious harm must be proven in all cases?
True – since the 2021 legal reforms.
Could emailing coworkers a false accusation be defamation?
Yes, if it damages the person's reputation at work.
What is defamation?
A false statement that damages someone's reputation.
What is the 'serious harm' threshold?
A statement must cause significant reputational damage to count as defamation.
Give an example where free speech might harm someone unfairly.
A viral lie accusing someone of a crime they didn’t commit.
What is the main defamation law in Australia?
The Defamation Act 2005.
What year did the Uniform Defamation Laws begin?
2005
Why were defamation laws made uniform?
To ensure consistency across all states and territories.
Name a case where a celebrity lost income due to defamation.
Rebel Wilson’s case – she lost acting roles.
What was the outcome of Rebel Wilson's defamation case?
She won damages after proving the articles were false and harmful.