Britain, Long a Libel Mecca, Reviews Laws
By SARAH LYALL
Published: December 10, 2009
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 Londons courts, where jurisdiction is easy to obtain and libel laws are heavily weighted in favor of complainants.
Embarrassed by Londons reputation as a town called sue and by unusually stinging criticisms in American courts and legislatures, British lawmakers are seriously considering rewriting Englands 19th-century libel laws.
A member of the House of Lords is preparing a bill that would, among other things, require foreigners to demonstrate that they have suffered actual harm in England before they can sue here.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/11/world/europe/11libel.html?_r=1&ref=world
Great move toward protecting free speech
By SARAH LYALL
Published: December 10, 2009
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 Londons courts, where jurisdiction is easy to obtain and libel laws are heavily weighted in favor of complainants.
Embarrassed by Londons reputation as a town called sue and by unusually stinging criticisms in American courts and legislatures, British lawmakers are seriously considering rewriting Englands 19th-century libel laws.
A member of the House of Lords is preparing a bill that would, among other things, require foreigners to demonstrate that they have suffered actual harm in England before they can sue here.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/11/world/europe/11libel.html?_r=1&ref=world
Great move toward protecting free speech
