2007-07-13 09:53:24 · 10 answers · asked by kidnappedsoviet 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
No jail-but you will be responsible for serious monetary dmages. Libel is a civil matter, not criminal.
2007-07-13 09:58:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are sued for libel and lose then the court awards damages. They can also award exemplary damages and punitive damages (this may be where someone has deliberately ignored a court order or somehow "profited" from a libel).
Be careful because damages in libel can run to thousands of pounds. The case of Peter Sutcliffe's ex-wife Sonia obtaning an initial sum of £500,000 against the magazine "Private Eye" is one such example (later reduced on appeal).
It is untrue that libel is only a civil offence. There is also criminal libel (rarely used) in which imprisonment can take place. This was used by the newspaper magnate "Robert Maxwell" and I believe Sir James Goldsmith to silence many papers.
2007-07-14 06:52:29 · answer #2 · answered by Vipguy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No jail and no fine. As to damages: this depends upon the person wronged. If you libelled Beckham for example, then the damages would be high but you libelled me, a silly gorbie of no account, then the damages would be little or nothing.
2007-07-13 21:41:50 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't go to prison for libel, the probablt outcome would be if you lost you would pay the other party damages and would probably have to pay all their legal costs. This usually has the effect of bankrupting them so they basically have to sell everything they own, including their house.
2007-07-15 06:21:50 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You pay damages, your costs and the other sides costs as set by the Court in the former and maybe by negoiation in the latter. If you think the costs are too hogh you can ask for a "Taxation Hearing" it's nothing to do with the inland revenue but a court process. best by negotiation
2007-07-14 05:55:03 · answer #5 · answered by Scouse 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Big fine depending on how serious the offence was. Not a criminal offence so you can't go to prison.
2007-07-13 09:58:10 · answer #6 · answered by Birdman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No jail but you will be facing a huge damages bill if found guilty, plus you will have to pay the injured parties court costs.
And be forced to publish an public apology.
2007-07-13 10:00:00 · answer #7 · answered by tucksie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the plaintiff can be awarded damages (and costs) against the you. so yes you pay money but it is not a fine
2007-07-13 09:58:45 · answer #8 · answered by paul m 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you have to pay compensation and possibly court cost but it is not for to go to prison
2007-07-13 21:48:01 · answer #9 · answered by vdv_desantnik 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not a criminal matter so no jail.
You could be counter sued though.
2007-07-13 09:56:52 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋