In a recent defamation case, it was seen that the jury's focus was not to determine if defamation occurred, as that fact was already established. Instead, the trial is one of damages assessment; the jury has to determine if the accused made untrue, harmful statements, and if he committed these acts knowingly, causing damage to the plaintiffs.
The findings revealed that these two aspects of the case — the occurrence of the defamatory statements and the wrongful accusations that the plaintiffs cheated — have been resolved. The jury is to now ascertain the extent of harm caused and the corresponding compensation.
