Defamation Limitation Calculator
Calculate the 1-year limitation deadline for a defamation or malicious falsehood claim under s.4A of the Limitation Act 1980, applying the single publication rule under the Defamation Act 2013.
Calculator โ accuracy depends on current rates
This calculator uses the rules and figures published on the dates shown. Rates, thresholds, and fees change โ always verify the current figure on the official government website before paying or filing. The output is not legal advice.
Rates current as of: .
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When to use this tool
Use as soon as you become aware of a potentially defamatory publication. The 1-year limitation period is shorter than most civil claims and runs from the first publication of the statement. Under the single publication rule in the Defamation Act 2013 s.8, republication by the same publisher does not restart the clock. The court has a narrow discretion to extend under s.32A of the Limitation Act 1980.
Defamation Limitation Calculator
Enter the date the statement was first published โ for example, the date an article was first posted online, the newspaper publication date, or the date a social media post was first made. Under the single publication rule (Defamation Act 2013 s.8), re-publication by the same publisher does not reset the limitation clock.
Legal basis
- Limitation Act 1980 s.4A โ 1-year limitation period for defamation and malicious falsehood actions.
- Defamation Act 2013 s.8 โ Single publication rule: limitation runs from first publication, not each subsequent publication by the same publisher.
- Limitation Act 1980 s.32A โ Court's discretion to extend the 1-year period where equitable to do so.
- Defamation Act 2013 s.1 โ Serious harm threshold for defamation claims.