The Earl of Northampton’s Case: 1613

If A publishes that he heard B say that C was a traitor, he will not be liable if he proved he actually heard B say this. A would be liable only if he did not identify the original author.

Judges:

Coke

Citations:

(1613) 12 Co Rep 134

Jurisdiction:

England and Wales

Defamation

Updated: 06 May 2022; Ref: scu.221969