What the Law Reform Commission recommended

That there be a new definition of libel.

That defendants be allowed to make payments into courts without admission of liability.

A provision that an apology is not to be construed as an admission of liability and will be taken into account in any award of damages.

A provision for a defence to a claim for general (but not special) damages that the defendant exercised reasonable care prior to publication in attempting to ascertain the truth of the allegation.

Placing the burden on the plaintiff to prove that the words complained about were untrue.

Provision that distributors and printers be immune from defamation actions.