Oduro v Time-Life Entertainment Group Ltd

Oduro v Time-Life Entertainment Group Ltd

The court held that the pleaded meanings, except those relating to lying about being Stephen's friend or best friend, are capable of being borne by the words complained of and are capable of being defamatory. The claim is not struck out and the issues are for the jury to determine.

Parties
Claimant: Elvin Oduro; Defendant: Time-Life Entertainment Group Limited
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
30 July 2003
Procedural Posture
Libel Action / Ruling on Meaning and Strike Out Application
Outcome
Application to strike out dismissed; pleaded meanings (except those relating to lying about being Stephen's friend or best friend) allowed to proceed to jury.
Legal Topics
Libel, Meaning of Defamatory Statements, Strike Out Application, Abuse of Process
Defamation Media Law Libel Meaning of Defamatory Statements Strike Out Application Abuse of Process

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 5 Authorities cited 5 Party arguments 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Elvin Oduro

Claimant

Time-Life Entertainment Group Limited

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Libel Action / Ruling on Meaning and Strike Out Application

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the statements in the book are capable of bearing the defamatory meanings pleaded by the claimant
  2. 2 Whether certain meanings should be withdrawn from the jury as not capable of being defamatory
  3. 3 Whether the claim or parts thereof should be struck out for failing to disclose a reasonable prospect of success or as an abuse of process

Ratio Decidendi

The court held that the pleaded meanings, except those relating to lying about being Stephen's friend or best friend, are capable of being borne by the words complained of and are capable of being defamatory. The claim is not struck out and the issues are for the jury to determine.

Court Disposition

Application to strike out dismissed; pleaded meanings (except those relating to lying about being Stephen's friend or best friend) allowed to proceed to jury.

Orders

  • The claim is not struck out.
  • The jury will determine the pleaded meanings as set out in the judgment.