CAMPBELL AGAINST KEZIA DUGDALE [2019] ScotSC 32 (17 April 2019)

CAMPBELL AGAINST KEZIA DUGDALE [2019] ScotSC 32 (17 April 2019)

The court held that while the statement was defamatory, it was protected as fair comment on a matter of public interest.

Citation
[2019] ScotSC 32
Parties
Pursuer: Stuart Campbell; Defender: Kezia Dugdale
Jurisdiction
Scotland
Judgment Date
17 April 2019
Procedural Posture
Defamation / Judgment
Outcome
action dismissed
Legal Topics
Defamation, Fair Comment, Freedom of Expression
Defamation Media Law Fair Comment Freedom of Expression

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

Stuart Campbell

Pursuer

Kezia Dugdale

Defender

Procedural Posture

Defamation / Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the defender's statement was defamatory
  2. 2 Whether the statement was protected as fair comment

Ratio Decidendi

The court held that while the statement was defamatory, it was protected as fair comment on a matter of public interest.

Court Disposition

action dismissed

Orders

  • No damages awarded
  • No interdict granted