THANKS to the Internet, universal access to the printed word and economic globalization, the 21st century is expected to be shaped by the free exchange of ideas. But casting a shadow over this optimistic prediction is the emerging threat of “libel … [Read more...] about Home Court Advantage
Contributor: The New York Times
A Victory For Writing
It is a rare achievement these days for the Senate to pass anything of real substance by a unanimous vote. But an important bill that protects Americans from the whims of foreign libel judgments was passed earlier this week by unanimous consent. Once … [Read more...] about A Victory For Writing
Libel Tourism
American law, with its strong First Amendment traditions, makes it hard to sue authors for libel. To get around these protections, book subjects have been suing American authors in England, where the libel law is much less writer-friendly. Two states … [Read more...] about Libel Tourism
Bringing An End To Libel Tourism
The House of Representatives has passed a good bill that would prevent American courts from enforcing libel judgments obtained in foreign countries if those countries provide less free speech protection than the United States does. The Senate should … [Read more...] about Bringing An End To Libel Tourism
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 … [Read more...] about Libel Without Borders
Seeking U.S. Turf For A Free-Speech Fight
London has become something of a magnet for libel litigants looking for a plaintiff-friendly jurisdiction. Now one defendant is taking an uncommon approach to fighting back. Rachel Ehrenfeld, the politically conservative author of "Funding Evil: How … [Read more...] about Seeking U.S. Turf For A Free-Speech Fight