The Reynolds 10 point test: Law update

The Reynolds defence, is a ten point guideline set out by judge Lord Nichols during a court case in which Albert Reynolds, former Prime Minister of Ireland, accused the Times newspaper of libel.

The Times won the court case, under the judges recommendation that the public had the right to know the story that was published, and that the newspaper had done enough to ensure that their information was correct. 

Lord Nichols stated that courts should apply the following ten point test, to see if a press story passes the 'right to know test'.

This is now used as a vital tool for journalists to avoid legal action being taken against them.

1. The seriousness of the allegation
2. The nature of the subject matter, and whether or not it is in the public interest
3. The source of the information
4. The status of the information
5. The steps taken to verify this information
6. The urgency of the matter
7. Whether a comment was sought from the person being defamed
8. Whether or not the article gives an idea of the person being defamed's side of the story
9. The tone of the article
10. The circumstances and the timing of the publication