A few days ago, the Supreme Court established a new defence against libel - if you are communicating responsibly in matters of public interest, and if you do your homework but still aren't able to verify every bit of information, well then, it's not libel if you go to press with information that later turns out to be less than entirely accurate.

For journalists and new media types like bloggers, it's definitely a Christmas present.

Don't go tarnishing reputations with impunity though! Apart from the fact that such conduct would just be plain wrong, the new defence is firmly based on conduct. You've got to be able to show that you did your homework in researching the facts before going to press, and that there is a public interest.

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The best of the season of peace to you, and yours.