Supreme Court Rules 2000

Subject to rule 263C(2) – a defence of justification under section 15 of the Defamation Act 1957 is sufficiently pleaded if it alleges that the imputation in question was true; and a defence of justification under section 25 of the Defamation Act 2005 or at common law is sufficiently pleaded if it alleges that the imputation in question was substantially true.

Without limiting rule 263C, the particulars required by rule 263A(1) for a defence of justification under section 15 of the Defamation Act 1957, under section 25 of the Defamation Act 2005 or at common law must, unless the court orders otherwise, include particulars of the facts, matters and circumstances on which the defendant relies to establish that the imputation in question was true or substantially true.