A ferocious attack on the "chilling effect" of the English law of libel and its use by wealthy "foreign tourists" will be mounted in a top US court today, with backing from organisations that represent a majority of the world's media. The case is … [Read more...] about US Author Mounts ‘Libel Tourism’ Challenge
Archives for 2007
State Court Of Appeals To Determine Long-Arm Laws
The state's highest court must decide under what circumstances New York's "long-arm" law can be invoked to give the state personal jurisdiction over someone who is not physically within the state. The Court of Appeals heard arguments Thursday from … [Read more...] about State Court Of Appeals To Determine Long-Arm Laws
Sheikh It All About
How far can a Saudi sheikh use English law against an American author? CAN the guarantee of free speech in America's first amendment trump English libel law? That is the question facing New York's Court of Appeals, in a case starting on November … [Read more...] about Sheikh It All About
Chilling Free Speech
The U.S. media has started to notice Saudi billionaire Khalid bin Mahfouz's use of British libel laws to silence allegations that he funded al Qaeda. Even the venerable New York Times has featured an essay on the subject, plus an Op-Ed urging … [Read more...] about Chilling Free Speech
Tithing For Terrorists
“Governments have political considerations,”“ said senior N.Y. Senator Charles Schumer, upon learning in September that Bourse Dubai intends to buy 20 percent of NASDAQ. Republican Senator Bob Bennett of Utah countered, saying, “Dubai is making a purc … [Read more...] about Tithing For Terrorists
Attorneys Have An Effective New Way To Defeat Islamic Groups’ Libel Suits.
Nothing gets a journalist’s attention like a subpoena. While authoritarian regimes silence critics by murdering or jailing them, journalists (and other critics) in the United States face gentler, but still effective, intimidation: libel lawsuits. O … [Read more...] about Attorneys Have An Effective New Way To Defeat Islamic Groups’ Libel Suits.
The Camel In The Tent
Objections to Borse Dubai's proposed acquisition of 20 percent of Nasdaq last week prompted Massachusetts Rep. Barney Frank to quip, "In the ports deal, the concern was smuggling something or someone dangerous... What Adinare we talking about here ˜ … [Read more...] about The Camel In The Tent
British Libel Actions Target Terrorism Books
Influential residents of repressive regimes in the Middle East can use a wide range of official measures to counter criticism and suppress dissent. Now, a trio of Western authors contend that one such controversial figure — billionaire Saudi f … [Read more...] about British Libel Actions Target Terrorism Books
Libel Without Borders
When it first appeared in 2006, “Alms for Jihad,” an academic book on Islamic charitable networks by two American scholars, drew scant attention. It sold a modest 1,500 copies and received few reviews. But in recent weeks the book has become an int … [Read more...] about Libel Without Borders
Private Eye
The most relentless opponent of freedom of speech in England is not MI5, the Downing Street press office or Muslim Council of Britain but a sombre lawyer, whose colleagues can't remember the last time he cracked a joke. Mr Justice Eady has found … [Read more...] about Private Eye