Where does absolute privilege apply in the context of defamation law?

Absolute privilege applies to specific contexts in defamation law, most notably to the statements made by members of Parliament and in court proceedings. This legal protection means that, in these circumstances, individuals cannot be sued for defamation due to statements made in the course of their official duties.

For members of Parliament, this privilege enables them to speak freely during debates and discussions without the fear of legal repercussions for defamation. Similarly, journalists reporting on court cases also benefit from this privilege, as they can report on proceedings without fear of being held liable for defamation, as long as their reporting is fair and accurate. The rationale behind absolute privilege is to support open and transparent debate in the legislature and accurate reporting of judicial matters, which are both essential for a functioning democracy.

Other options do not provide the same level of legal protection. For instance, community meetings may not qualify for privilege in the same way official parliamentary debates or court proceedings do. Private conversations between journalists lack the public interest component necessary for the application of absolute privilege.