Woolmer v W.E. Guiton & Co. Ltd. [1966] JJ 667 (29 July 1966)

Woolmer v W.E. Guiton & Co. Ltd. [1966] JJ 667 (29 July 1966)

A civil servant, as a public officer, must expect criticism and must not only behave properly but also appear to do so; therefore, innocent actions open to misconstruction may reduce the damages awarded in a defamation action.

Citation
[1966] JJ 667
Parties
Plaintiff: Woolmer; Defendant: W. E. Guiton & Co. Ltd.
Jurisdiction
Jersey
Judgment Date
29 July 1966
Procedural Posture
Tort Defamation / Judgment
Outcome
damages reduced
Legal Topics
Defamation, Damages, Public Officer Liability
Tort Law Defamation Damages Public Officer Liability

Case Brief

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Parties

Woolmer

Plaintiff

W. E. Guiton & Co. Ltd.

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Tort Defamation / Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether a civil servant as a public officer is entitled to damages for defamation and the extent to which their public role affects the assessment of damages.

Ratio Decidendi

A civil servant, as a public officer, must expect criticism and must not only behave properly but also appear to do so; therefore, innocent actions open to misconstruction may reduce the damages awarded in a defamation action.

Court Disposition

damages reduced