> I'm glad to see that stating the truth is a valid defense.
Truth has always been an absolute defence; the Act doesn't change anything in that regard.
(Several of the 'new' defences are just codifications or tweaks of existing defences. I think the only completely new defence is the 'peer-reviewed statement in scientific or academic journals' one).
No, not always. In English common law truth was originally only a defense in civil libel cases. But it was possible to convict persons of criminal libel, even if the writings were proven true (since it was technically considered as being a breach of the peace as opposed to mere defamation).
Truth has always been an absolute defence; the Act doesn't change anything in that regard.
(Several of the 'new' defences are just codifications or tweaks of existing defences. I think the only completely new defence is the 'peer-reviewed statement in scientific or academic journals' one).