Statute of Limitations for Libel (written defamation) in United Kingdom

How the limitation period applies

The controlling primary authority for United Kingdom statute of limitations for libel / written defamation actions is Limitation Act 1980, section 4A.

Limitation Act 1980, section 4A. The time limit under section 2 of this Act shall not apply to an action for—(a) libel or slander, or (b) slander of title, slander of goods or other malicious falsehood, but no such action shall be brought after the expiration of one year from the date on which the cause of action accrued.

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DocketMath's statute-of-limitations tool can model these timelines once you identify the controlling claim type and accrual date. Use the source panel for the verified primary-source citations.

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Sources

• Limitation Act 1980, section 4A — Time limit for actions for defamation or malicious falsehood

All sources are official primary law published by legislation.gov.uk.

Corroboration method: single official primary source: legislation.gov.uk (UK government's official legislation site, .gov.uk). Section 4A is the canonical defamation limitation provision and has been cited in numerous reported judgments without dispute as to the basic 1-year rule.