Defamation remains a criminal offence in St. Lucia (punishable with imprisonment).

The following are offences under the St. Lucia Criminal Code, Art. 313-329:

Intentional libel (Art. 327), punishable with imprisonment for up to five years.

Negligent libel (Art. 328), punishable with imprisonment for up to two years.

Provisions on the books (seditious libel).

Seditious libel is a criminal offence under Art. 305 of the St. Lucia Criminal Code. The punishment is imprisonment for up to five years.

Provisions on the books.

Defaming or insulting the Crown is a criminal offence under Art. 329 of the St. Lucia Criminal Code. The punishment is imprisonment for up to five years.

Provisions on the books (seditious libel).

Seditious libel is a criminal offence under Art. 305 of the St. Lucia Criminal Code. The punishment is imprisonment for up to five years.

No provisions.

No provisions.

No provisions.

Obscene material

The sale of pornographic material or the exposition of obscene material is a criminal offence under Art. 330 of the St. Lucia Criminal Code. The punishment is imprisonment for up to six months.

Use of insulting words

The use or display of threatening of insulting words within earshot/sight of an affected person is a criminal offence under Art. 356 of the St. Lucia Criminal Code. The punishment imprisonment for up to three years.

The information contained in this database is for informational and advocacy purposes only. If you are a journalist facing a defamation claim, you should seek legal advice from a qualified attorney. However, if you are unable to find such an attorney, IPI may be able to assist you in doing so. Please contact us at ipi[at]freemedia.at.

Information on St. Lucia was last updated in September 2015.