In defamation actions involving multiple imputations arising from a single publication, a defendant who successfully defends some imputations is not necessarily entitled to an apportionment of costs by issues where the imputations are intertwined and overlapping, the same defences and evidence apply across all imputations, and the successful imputations would not have reduced the burden of preparation or length of trial. Interest on defamation damages may properly run from the date of the claim rather than the date of publication where there has been delay in commencing proceedings, and the primary judge's discretion to set the period and rate of interest will not be disturbed absent identified error of principle.
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