From Jack of Kent comes news that a petition is being drawn up to reform the libel laws.

English libel laws are some of the most unfair in the world. Unfair to writers and bloggers who are unable to freely express their opinions or to publish critical articles due to the fact that 90% of libel cases are won by the claimants on the flimests grounds. English libel laws are so twisted in favour of the claimant that many of the libel cases have no British presence. The only reason they are heard here is because of the internet which through the English law which allows for a libel case on the basis of a single publication – a publication which is defined as the viewing of a single web page.

The law should be changed to stop companies abusing the libel laws to stop criticism of their actions. Fair comment must be allowed without restrictions.

Please visit the petition at http://www.libelreform.org/sign and add your name to the growing list.

SadButMadLad November 12, 2010 at 13:53

One more reason why the petition needs to be signed – Boob Job

William Brown November 11, 2010 at 23:30

Anna,

Off-topic and apologies. I just read your “Requiem for Popsy”. This is the
first time I have shed tears for several years.

Gratefully,

William

Gildas the Monk
November 11, 2010 at 17:57

The libel laws – or at least the interpretation and use made of them – have
been a disgrace for quite a time now. I understand that they have given great
comfort to those who would suppress legitimate comment. Equally the use of the
“super injunction” has become a serious constitutional issue.
Someone
should write a piece on it….
G the M

Jeremy Poynton
November 11, 2010 at 16:34

Never mind libel. If you want to shut up someone – sine die – just get an
injunction out on them. You can lie as much as you like, and odds are, you
will get it. I have one out on me, and that despite formal documentation from
the person’s professional body disproving his claims about me (I had
circulated to some of his colleagues a complaint made against him), the
injunction was still granted. Sine die.

Anna
Raccoon November 11, 2010 at 16:05

Just a small detail – you can express your opinion – what you can’t do is
state as fact something which is defamatory and you are not able to prove to
be true – the latter point being a hurdle that people are particualrly tripped
up over – including the media, who gaily republished the ‘facts’ as stated in
the Portuguese press concerning the McCann’s – but were then unable to prove
that they were true.
There is no law against stating as fact an unprovable
suposition that is highly flattering to the subject, though!

Matt
W November 11, 2010 at 16:03

Offtopic.

Search facility?

Anna
Raccoon November 11, 2010 at
16:24

Aghhhh! I will search for one. Come back tomorrow…..or ask a friend.

Edited to add – easier than I thought. One search facility, just above
the archives tab, just for you Matt.

Demetrius November
11, 2010 at 15:55

In the UK the libel laws are being used not just to protect privacy but to
protect criminals. Increasingly they are coming to be used by commercial
companies anxious to stifle debate on the implications about their products or
methods of work, not only in crucial financial matters but in critical issues
of health.