Britain Vows To Change 'Embarrassing' Libel Law

by Associated Press
NPR
January 7, 2011

https://www.legal-project.org/1049/britain-vows-to-change-embarrassing-libel-law

Excerpt:

Britain's plaintiff-friendly libel laws have become an international embarrassment, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said Friday, vowing to change rules that have made the country a "libel tourism" destination for angry corporations and foreign celebrities.

In a speech on civil liberties, Clegg said the existing laws, which place the burden of proof on defendants, have a chilling effect on journalism and scientific debate.

It is "simply not right when academics and journalists are effectively bullied into silence" by the prospect of costly legal battles, he said.

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