Michael Allen
GRUMPY OLD BOOKMAN
Every writer ought to know something about the law of libel. Enough, at any rate, to stay out of trouble. A libel is a statement in print which damages a person’s reputation. If a person chooses to sue you for libel, on the grounds that it’s untrue, then the court may rule that you have to pay damages. But if you can prove that you’ve been telling the truth, you have a solid defence. Win or lose, you will certainly have a stressful time and may have to pay some hefty legal fees.