Crikey and Lachlan Murdoch’s lawyers have first day in court as judge warns of ‘hyperbole’ | The Weekly Beast

Murdoch's barrister moves to strike out parts of Crikey's defence, calling it embarrassing and irrelevant'. Plus: Speers moves to the capital

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The defamation battle between Private Media's Crikey and Lachlan Murdoch had its first day in court on Friday and although mediation is compulsory both parties appear resolute to battle it out in court.

Murdoch's barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC and Private Media's silk Michael Hodge KC will have to settle their legal arguments in a case management hearing on 10 October after failing to reach an agreement over part of Crikey's defence, which Chrysanthou wants struck out because it is embarrassing and irrelevant".