Science writer Simon Singh wins libel appeal (BBC)

eppur_se_muova

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Thu Apr-01-10 01:21 PM
Original message

Science writer Simon Singh wins libel appeal (BBC)

A science writer has won the right to rely on the defence of fair comment in a libel action, in a landmark ruling at the Court of Appeal.

Simon Singh was accused of libel by the British Chiropractic Association over an article in the Guardian in 2008.

Dr Singh questioned the claims of some chiropractors over the treatment of certain childhood conditions.
***
Dr Singh described the ruling as "brilliant", but added that the action had cost £200,000 "just to define the meaning of a few words".
***
"The Court of Appeal's made a very wise decision, but it just shouldn't be so horrendously expensive for a journalist or an academic journal or a scientist to defend what they mean.
***
more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8598472.stm

A freedom of the press issue in the UK -- different laws over here, but something to keep a close eye on ...

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

paulsby

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Thu Apr-01-10 01:27 PM
Response to Original message

1. UK has interesting libel laws

and generally much easier for the complainant to sue nd win than in the US

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

realisticphish

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Thu Apr-01-10 01:36 PM
Response to Original message

2. excellent

English libel laws are insanely bad.

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

Beako

(29 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Thu Apr-01-10 02:10 PM
Response to Original message

3. YESSSS!!!!

I've been following this case and I'm so happy for him! This is a step in the right direction. :bounce:

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

muriel_volestrangler

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Thu Apr-15-10 06:07 AM
Response to Original message

4. Success - Case dropped against Simon Singh!

The British Chiropractic Association has dropped its libel action against the science writer Simon Singh.
...
On Thursday, the website of William McCormick QC, one of the barristers acting for Simon Singh, said the British Chiropractic Association has served a "Notice of Discontinuance". This means the case is now over.

Dr Singh said he was hugely relieved, but expressed his annoyance that libel actions continued to be used to block what he viewed as legitimate scientific inquiry and debate.
...
Dr Singh said he was still waiting to find out how the costs of the case would be borne. He said his defence had so far cost him in excess of £100,000.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8621880.stm

:party: :toast: :woohoo:

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

eppur_se_muova

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Thu Apr-15-10 02:10 PM
Response to Reply #4

5. Just saw that -- good news! nt

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

DU AdBot (1000+ posts)

Fri May 10th 2024, 02:24 PM
Response to Original message

Advertisements [?]

Top

Powered by DCForum+ Version 1.1 Copyright 1997-2002 DCScripts.com
Software has been extensively modified by the DU administrators

Important Notices: By participating on this discussion board, visitors agree to abide by the rules outlined on our Rules page. Messages posted on the Democratic Underground Discussion Forums are the opinions of the individuals who post them, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Democratic Underground, LLC.