The everyday person needs to be aware –
ABSOLUTE PRIVILEGE
Privilege or immunity, is also a defence against a claim of defamation. Absolute privilege is an old common – law privilege that protects members of law making bodies from charges of defamation for statements made “on the floor” of their legislative bodies, without regard for whether the words are stated in good faith (Source Google – 10/09/2018)
Not quite sure how the Mansfield Chad can consider itself a law making body – BUT, this is the defence that Group Editor Mr Bramley has quoted that he, or should I say, the Mansfield Chad, will use against me.
Sorry, I am doing what they have done , using the same privilege – this is relating to this newspaper only reporting and publishing part of a very serious case that I was unwittingly dragged into. One where I was told that I would be imprisoned for ten years if found guilty.
When you live in a tiny village – news, especially bad news or incomplete news, travels fast – the Chinese whispers effect.
Me, thinks that perhaps serving the publics interests by reporting the truth should come before ones own self belief of alignment with the Crown.