Legal Research

Britain Considers Changes to Deter 'Libel Tourism'

By jlutz99

British lawmakers may make changes to 19th century libel laws that would make it less of a 'libel mecca,' reports the ABAJournal Law News Now.  Here's an excerpt:

One member of the House of Lords is drafting a bill that could especially deter forum shopping. It would require foreigners to show that they've suffered actual harm in England before they are allowed to sue there, the New York Times reports.

Unlike the United States, where the plaintiff must prove that a statement is false in order to sue for libel, England puts the onus on the defendant, who must establish that statements are true.

Lawmakers are responding to growing criticisms of the law from not just media, but environmentalists, anti-corruption groups and others who are being sued or threatened with legal action because of blog posts.

Read the article here. 

Posted by Jon Lutz

Full post as published by FSU College of Law Library Blog on December 11, 2009 (boomark / email).