C1 Part IV The Northern Ireland Assembly

Annotations:
Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Miscellaneous

50 Privilege.

1

For the purposes of the law of defamation, absolute privilege shall attach to—

a

the making of a statement in proceedings of the Assembly; and

b

the publication of a statement under the Assembly’s authority.

2

A person is not guilty of contempt of court under the strict liability rule as the publisher of any matter—

a

in the course of proceedings of the Assembly which relate to a Bill or subordinate legislation; or

b

to the extent that it consists of a fair and accurate report of such proceedings which is made in good faith.

3

In this section—

  • “statement” has the same meaning as in the M1Defamation Act 1996;

  • “the strict liability rule” has the same meaning as in the M2Contempt of Court Act 1981.