Defamation Act Amendment Act 1886 No 31a (NSW)

No. XXVI

An Act to amend the Law relating to Libel

and Slander. [25th October, 1886.]

WHEREAS it is expedient to amend the law relating to Libel and Slander Be it therefore enacted by the Queen's Most Excellent

Majesty by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly of New South Wales in Parliament assembled and by the authority of the same as follows :—

1. If in any action for defamation the jury or the judge sitting as a jury return a verdict in favour of the plaintiff for damages in any sum less than forty shillings the plaintiff shall have judgment to recover such sum only and shall not have judgment to recover any costs unless the Judge in any case of libel shall certify that the words charged as defamatory were published without reasonable grounds or excuse Provided that nothing herein contained shall apply to or affect any action commenced before the passing of this Act.

2. I n all actions for libel and slander it shall be lawful for the defendant or for one or more of several defendants to pay into Court a sum of money by way of compensation satisfaction and amends.