Fierravanti-Wells v Channel Seven Sydney Pty Ltd (No. 3)

The parties involved in this case are Fierravanti-Wells, the plaintiff, and Channel Seven Sydney Pty Ltd, the defendant. The case revolves around a defamation claim brought by the plaintiff against the defendant. The legal dispute concerns the defendant's late application to plead a defence of truth at common law, and the availability of a "nuance" or "shades of meaning" defence. The case was heard in the Federal Court of Australia.

The court was tasked with determining whether the defendants' proposed new imputation was properly framed, and if it was available as a defence. The court also had to consider whether the defendants could plead a defence of truth at common law, and whether they could rely on a "nuance" or "shades of meaning" defence. The court had to assess whether the defendants had provided sufficient particulars to support their proposed new imputation, and whether they had identified the study trips that were comparable to the plaintiff's study trip.

The court found that the defendants' proposed new imputation was not properly framed, and that they had not provided sufficient particulars to support their claim. However, the court granted the defendants leave to file an amended defence in accordance with the draft pleading attached to the affidavit of Kevin Lynch. The court also ordered the defendants to provide further and better particulars of certain aspects of their proposed new imputation. Additionally, the court ordered the parties to provide written submissions on the issue of costs.

In conclusion, the court granted the defendants leave to amend their defence, but required them to provide further particulars and written submissions on costs. The case was stood over for further directions, and the plaintiff was ordered to answer any outstanding interrogatories.