An action for defamation should be commenced in the place of publication. If the material is published in more than one place, the case should be heard where the harm occasioned by the publication as a whole has its closest connection [see Defamation Act 2005 (SA) s 11].

Where material is published on the internet, the place of publication is where the material is downloaded, rather than the place where such material is uploaded [see Dow Jones & Co Inc v Gutnick (2002) 210 CLR 575; [2002] HCA 56].

All civil actions for defamation in South Australia are heard by a judge or magistrate alone, that is, without a jury.

Actions for defamation may be brought in the Supreme, the District or the Magistrates Courts of South Australia or (subject to satisfying jurisdictional requirements) in the Federal Court of Australia. Careful thought should be given to the appropriate court in which to commence a defamation action because of the potential cost penalties if the wrong court is selected [see further Uniform Civil Rules 2020 (SA) rule 194.5].