Facts
Newspapers reported that the fraud squad was investigating a company's affairs.
Issue
Did the report mean the company was guilty of fraud?
Held
No; it could mean suspicion, but not guilt.
Principle
Words are read as the ordinary reasonable reader, neither unusually suspicious nor naive, would understand them (Lord Reid).
Why it matters
Meaning of words.
Cited in these chapters
Cite this page
Lewis v Daily Telegraph Ltd [1964] AC 234 (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/lewis-v-daily-telegraph> accessed 31 October 2026
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This summary is a Lanbuk study aid based on the generally known facts and reports of the case. It is not legal advice.