Defame the dead? Be careful what you say about Cromwell

WHENEVER a deceased person is perceived, rightly or wrongly, to have been unfairly accused, vilified or misrepresented in the media, we hear renewed calls for the extension of the libel laws to embrace the reputations of the dead.

Views to this effect were expressed on at least two radio stations following the tragic death of Liam Lawlor in Moscow.

While the memory of every human being is cherished by his or her family, friends and loved ones, I think it would be outlandish to create a legal situation whereby lawyers could represent somebody in a case of alleged civil or criminal libel who is not in a position to give evidence or be cross-examined by defence counsel.