Jeynes v News Magazines Ltd & Anor

No reasonable reader could interpret the words complained of as meaning the appellant was a man posing as a woman or a transgendered person; any such interpretation would be perverse or fanciful.

Parties: Appellant: Jeynes; Respondent: News Magazines Ltd & Anr
Jurisdiction: England and Wales
Judgment Date: 31 January 2008
Procedural Posture: Civil Appeal / Appeal From High Court (libel Action)
Outcome: Appeal dismissed
Legal Topics: Libel, Meaning of Defamatory Words, Striking Out Pleadings, Innuendo, Jury Trial in Defamation

Defamation Media Law Libel Meaning of Defamatory Words Striking Out Pleadings Innuendo Jury Trial in Defamation

Case Brief

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Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 3 Authorities cited 10 Party arguments 2

Parties

Jeynes

Appellant

News Magazines Ltd & Anr

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal / Appeal From High Court (libel Action)

Legal Issues

1 Whether the words complained of were capable of bearing the defamatory meanings alleged by the appellant
2 Whether the pleaded innuendo meaning added anything to the case

Ratio Decidendi

No reasonable reader could interpret the words complained of as meaning the appellant was a man posing as a woman or a transgendered person; any such interpretation would be perverse or fanciful.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed

Orders

Appeal dismissed; paragraphs 5 and 6 of the particulars of claim struck out; claim dismissed.