General
The Defamation Act 1996 makes provision amending the law of defamation in each part of the United Kingdom. In particular sections 14 and 15 make provision as to the circumstances in which certain reports will enjoy absolute privilege and qualified privilege. These amendments ensure that the Act will apply taking account of provisions that may be made by or under Acts of the Scottish Parliament and appointments made by the Scottish Executive. It complements section 41 (Defamatory statements), paragraph 10 of Schedule 8 (Defamation Act 1952) and paragraph 11 of Schedule 8 (Defamation Act (Northern Ireland) 1955).