> Truth has always been an absolute defence No, not always. In English common law truth was originally only a defense in civil libel cases. But it was possible

> Truth has always been an absolute defence 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). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libel_Act_1843 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libel_Act_1843