This term "libel tourism" has been kicking around for some time now. It refers to the practice of filing libel suits not necessarily in one's home country, but in jurisdictions in which the laws on libel are more plaintiff friendly. For years, the … [Read more...] about "A Town Called Sue": England Weighing Changes To Libel Law
Britain, Long A Libel Mecca, Reviews Laws
LONDON - England has long been a mecca for aggrieved people from around the world who want to sue for libel. Russian oligarchs, Saudi businessmen, multinational corporations, American celebrities - all have made their way to London's courts, where … [Read more...] about Britain, Long A Libel Mecca, Reviews Laws
Could London Lose 'Libel Capital Of The World' Crown?
LONDON — The world's rich and powerful have long chosen London to defend their interests in court, but pressure is mounting for an overhaul in the English laws that saw it named "libel capital of the world". Lawyers, freedom of speech campaigners … [Read more...] about Could London Lose 'Libel Capital Of The World' Crown?
Stop Allowing England's Libel Courts To Be Used By The Rich And Powerful To Stifle Free Speech
They call it the 'small penis' rule. Faced with the risk of libel actions, novelists endow any objectionable male character with a remarkably small penis. What man would claim in court that such a character was based on him? This strategy is all … [Read more...] about Stop Allowing England's Libel Courts To Be Used By The Rich And Powerful To Stifle Free Speech
Don't Make Libel Law "Fairer:" Make It History
If we are serious about defending freedom of speech, then English libel should be sentenced to death. A pledge to end 'libel tourism'; an admission that the English libel laws are having 'chilling effects' on free speech; a promise to introduce … [Read more...] about Don't Make Libel Law "Fairer:" Make It History
It's Official – London Is The Libel Capital Of The World
Libel tourism is flourishing and London is the hottest destination. Its reputation as libel capital of the world has just been confirmed by figures that show that the number of defamation actions started last year was the highest for five years. The … [Read more...] about It's Official – London Is The Libel Capital Of The World
Jack Straw Pledges Action To End Libel Tourism
JACK STRAW is preparing to draw up proposals for wholesale reform of England's libel laws, after a long-running Sunday Times campaign. The justice secretary says the large legal fees involved in defamation cases in English courts are jeopardising … [Read more...] about Jack Straw Pledges Action To End Libel Tourism
Congress: Protect American Writers And Publishers From Being Sued Overseas
Picture this scenario: you're an American author who's written a well-researched, well-documented book on a topic of broad public interest. Your book's been published in the United States for an American audience. Someone who's mentioned in the book … [Read more...] about Congress: Protect American Writers And Publishers From Being Sued Overseas
Free Speech Protection Act Could Slow 'Libel Tourism'
Free press advocates in Britain are looking to a bill stuck in the U.S. Congress for moral support in the fight to reform England's draconian defamation laws. The U.S. bill, the Free Speech Protection Act 2009, is itself the product of those laws, … [Read more...] about Free Speech Protection Act Could Slow 'Libel Tourism'
Rotten Laws That Strangle Free Speech
Imagine a country in which citizens are barred from reading American newspapers and books and from accessing international websites. Scientists and writers are hauled before the courts and threatened with massive damages even if their supposed crime … [Read more...] about Rotten Laws That Strangle Free Speech