 |
| LATEST LATEST LEGAL NEWS ARCHIVE |
LATEST NEWS & EVENTS Libel reforms launched  The government has unveiled changes to litigation and dispute resolution laws affecting libel cases. Its new defamation bill sets out measures that it hopes will protect free speech and reduce the amount of libel tourism in the UK. The draft bill contains provisions for a new public interest defence that defendants can use in defamation cases and claimants will have to show substantial harm before they can take litigation and dispute resolution action. In addition, the reforms will make it harder for overseas claimants to bring action in English courts. Finally, the bill introduces a single publication rule that will prevent fresh actions every time a publication is accessed on the internet. "The right to speak freely and debate issues without fear of censure is a vital cornerstone of a democratic society," justice secretary Ken Clarke said. Recently, however, the threat of costly libel actions "has begun to have a chilling effect on scientific and academic debate, and investigative journalism", he added. Recent high profiles cases such as that of Simon Singh have spurred on the debate about libel laws and the practice of lawfare - where organisations target their defamation action on those without the means to defend themselves. The British Chiropractic Association unsuccessfully tried to sue Mr Singh after he said some of the claims of chiropractors were false. Posted by Alex McLean 
Related Articles: 11/5/2012 - Queen's Speech legal reforms welcomed 17/4/2012 - Further regulation to encourage family mediation: justice minster 2/4/2012 - Fuel tanker driver dispute talks scheduled for Wednesday 23/3/2012 - Landowners urged to take more responsibility for falling trees 22/3/2012 - Justice reforms move a step closer More Dispute Resolution News |
|||
| © 2012 Lamport Bassitt | DEFAULT ZOOM | DISABILITY INFORMATION | LEGAL INFORMATION |