Defamation Time Limit Calculator

Defamation has a one-year limitation period from the date of first publication, extendable to two years at most and only where the interests of justice require it. Enter the date of first publication, and the dates of any Press Council complaint or right of reply, and see your deadline and the days remaining. Nothing is stored; it prepares a consultation, it is not legal advice.

Mary Molloy Solicitors advise on defamation, harassment and privacy law. We do not provide public relations or reputation management services, and nothing on this page is advice on either. The limitation period in defamation is one year from first publication and is strictly applied. The Defamation (Amendment) Act 2026 changed the law from 1 March 2026 and some of its provisions are not yet commenced; confirm the current position before acting on anything here.

1. The date the statement was first published2. Was a Press Council complaint or a right of reply under the Broadcasting Act made?