What is the standard used in U.K. defamation claims?
British courts apply a far less stringent standard than U.S. courts for recovery in defamation claims. Under British law, the burden of proof rests with the defendant/publisher to prove the truth of the statements in dispute. The plaintiff only has to show that the statement harms his reputation, without having to show that any damage has actually been suffered. Defamatory statements are thus presumed to be false, unless the defendant can prove their truth.
