The number of defamation cases coming to court in England and Wales dropped by 13.5% last year, despite a surge in the proportion of claims resulting from allegations of terrorism.

According to new research published by Sweet & Maxwell, 64 defamation claims reached the courts last year, down from a mark of 74 for the previous 12-month period.

Cases relating to alleged terror plots comprised 12.5% of claims last year, up from just 4% for 2005-06. The figures include allegations relating to the funding of terrorist groups as well as actual terrorist activity.

Commenting on the findings, David Price Solicitors & Advocates name partner David Price – who has represented both claimants and publishers in relation to terrorism claims – said: "News [of alleged terror plots] is fast-moving and there are often a large number of people arrested or otherwise connected. A mistake made by one newspaper can be replicated in a number of others before the truth emerges, giving rise to serial claims by the wronged party."

Meanwhile, almost a third (30%) of claims in the last year were made by celebrities bringing libel proceedings, with the UK fast becoming a venue of choice for so-called 'forum shoppers', thanks to claimant-friendly defamation laws. In 2004-05 the proportion of defamation claims brought by celebrities was well under a fifth (16.6%).