New public interest defence a long time coming - Ursula Cheer

In a ground-breaking judgement, the Court of Appeal has recognised a new public interest defence in defamation cases. This has come about during defamation proceedings brought against Maori TV by Sir Edward Durie and Donna Hall. On Tuesday, the Court of Appeal recognised the defense of public interest - striking a new balance between the right to protection of reputation and the right to freedom of expression. Media Law expert Ursula Cheer tells Susie Ferguson this is a move the legal profession has been waiting on for some time.