Media Law and Civil Liability
Compensation for Harmful Press Publications under Jordanian Law
This summary addresses the legal basis for journalists' liability in Jordan when publications harm persons or entities, highlighting fault elements and the need to prove causation and damage. It focuses on practical remedies available — monetary compensation, right of reply and correction — and on evidentiary and judicial assessment limits.
Updated: 24 July 2022
Prepared and reviewed by: Ashraf Al-Khawaja
Legal Basis and the Principle of Human Dignity
Jordanian liability rules for press publications rest on the contemporary principle of human dignity, supported by constitutional norms, international instruments and local statutes. Media laws require respect for privacy and personal dignity (see relevant provisions in the audiovisual media and Publications and Printing legislation) and limit freedom of publication where it infringes those rights.
Journalistic Fault (Material and Mental Elements) and Owner Liability
Journalistic fault arises from breach of legal duties or professional standards, either by committing harmful acts or by failing to take required precautions. The material element is measured by violation of legal or professional duties; the mental element concerns the journalist's awareness and discernment. Owner liability (vicarious liability) can attach where the publication falls within the employee's duties, with exceptions for acts clearly outside the scope of assigned tasks.
Elements of Liability and Assessment of Damages
Civil liability requires three elements: fault, damage, and a causal link between them. Damage must be actual and direct and not previously compensated; a distinction exists between material damage, which can be monetarily quantified, and moral damage affecting reputation or feelings, which is harder to measure. When fixing compensation judges consider personal and surrounding circumstances, and compensation aims to redress loss rather than enrich the claimant.
Reply, Correction Remedies and Practical Procedural Limits
Remedies include monetary awards and non-monetary measures; notably the right of reply and correction entitles the injured party to publish a response or correction in the same place and format under the Publications and Printing Law. Courts may also order specific performance (publication of apology or judgment) as compensation, bearing in mind that such publication can further publicize the original harm. Practically, claimants face evidentiary and assessment challenges—proof of causation and the quantum of damages are at the court’s discretion—and it is essential to verify procedural rules and any legislative amendments.
Legal notice
Notice: This content is provided for general educational purposes and is based on the original source linked on the summary page. It does not replace review of official texts or consultation with a licensed Jordanian lawyer; laws, amendments and procedural timelines should be verified before taking any legal action.
Sources and references
Verify the official text and latest amendments before relying on this material professionally.