Law Blog — Steve Keall

Steve Keall

Craig v Williams--the case that keeps on giving

Craig v Williams--the case that keeps on giving

Some time ago now, Colin Graeme Craig, a well-known public figure, considered that Jordan Henry Williams had said untrue things about him. Mr Craig distributed a pamphlet to 1.6 million households nationwide which was intended, he says, to set the record straight. Mr Williams alleges that it was defamatory. Mr Williams sued Mr Craig. Mr Craig advanced the defence of qualified privilege. Mr Williams contended that this defence should not apply. A jury found for Mr Williams at the conclusion of a four week trial. A divided Supreme Court has now ruled on what is regarded as the principal legal issue: whether the defence of qualified privilege had been lost, and what the trial judge said to the jury about it in her summing up before they retired to consider their verdict. The Supreme Court has ordered a retrial.

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The number one question you should ask your barrister

The number one question you should ask your barrister

Litigation is life. There are great highs—and lows. There are unexpected twists and turns. Winning is glorious. Only the most cold-hearted lawyer would claim not to be affected by a loss. Most litigation lawyers will provide a client with a sound strategy which includes a realistic assessment of the prospects of success. But ultimately, if things go to a hearing, you and your clients are in the hands of someone over whom you have some influence, but do not control. And so, sometimes, Bad Things Happen.

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