Defamation Act (Chapter 75): Primary legislation governing defamation in Singapore that covers both libel and slander, defines defamatory statements, outlines available remedies, and establishes defenses
Protection from Harassment Act (POHA): Secondary legislation providing additional protection against harassment and false statements, including specific provisions for online defamation
Common Law Principles: Fundamental legal principles including requirements for reputation damage, publication requirement, and identification of plaintiff
Defense of Justification: Legal defense based on proving the truth of the allegedly defamatory statement
Defense of Fair Comment: Legal defense for statements that are honest expressions of opinion on matters of public interest
Defense of Absolute Privilege: Legal defense for statements made in certain privileged contexts such as parliamentary proceedings
Defense of Qualified Privilege: Legal defense for statements made in situations where the maker has a legal, moral or social duty to make them
Defense of Innocent Dissemination: Legal defense available to parties who unknowingly distribute defamatory material
Lee Hsien Loong v Roy Ngerng (2014): Landmark case law providing precedent for defamation proceedings in Singapore
J Y Rentals v Ocbc Capital (2020): Recent case law providing updated interpretation of defamation principles in Singapore
Limitation Period: Legal time limit of 3 years from date of publication to initiate defamation proceedings
Jurisdiction Considerations: Legal principles governing cross-border defamation cases and jurisdictional authority
Evidence Requirements: Legal standards for proving defamation claims including damage to reputation and publication evidence
Online Defamation Specifics: Special considerations and provisions for defamation occurring in digital and social media contexts
