UK writer wins appeal in libel case
Source: Agencies |
April 2, 2010, Friday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
A SCIENCE writer challenging Britain's harsh libel laws won a substantial appeals court victory yesterday but still faces further court action in a suit brought against him by the British Chiropractic Association.
The appeals court ruled that Simon Singh, sued for libel by the chiropractors' group, can make a "fair comment" defense of his statements about chiropractors, contained in The Guardian newspaper in 2008.
It was a successful appeal of an earlier ruling that would have forced Singh to prove in court that his comments about chiropractors were factual to avoid a libel judgment against him. It will be easier for Singh to win the case if he can say they represent his opinions.
The case has been cited by the scientific community as an important test of whether libel charges can be brought against individuals who challenge excessive claims about various products or treatments. In this case, Singh had criticized the chiropractic group's assertion that its members could treat many childhood illnesses, including colic and asthma.
The writer called yesterday's court decision "brilliant" but said he has incurred substantial costs and still faces more court action.
"It is extraordinary this action has cost 200,000 pounds (US$300,000) to establish the meaning of a few words," he said.
The appeals court decision was hailed by other scientists as well as advocates of libel law reform who argue that the threat of libel has had a chilling effect on open scientific discussion.
A group of lawmakers has urged Britain's government to change the country's plaintiff-friendly libel laws, saying the threat of expensive libel suits is stifling investigative journalism and media freedom.
Britain's libel laws are considered more pro-claimant than those in many other countries, leading foreigners to bring lawsuits to Britain they would likely lose in their own countries.
Tracey Brown, spokeswoman for the Coalition for Libel Reform, said the group is delighted with the Court of Appeals decision but wants far-reaching changes to the law.
The British Chiropractic Association claims that Singh falsely asserted that its members knowingly support bogus treatments of medical problems.
The group posted a statement on its Website yesterday indicating that it did not want to suppress free speech and simply seeks to clear its name.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
