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Current Events => General Discussion => Topic started by: cavegal on August 11, 2010, 06:01:25 PM

Title: Obama approves US 'libel tourist' laws
Post by: cavegal on August 11, 2010, 06:01:25 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-10940211 

Quote
The Speech Act, recently passed by Congress, makes foreign libel rulings virtually unenforceable in US courts.

The act targets "libel tourists" who launch cases in countries whose legal systems are considered far more claimant-friendly, such as the UK.

In the UK defendants must prove statements are true, whereas in the US claimants have to prove they are false.

Book on terrorism

Some cases have been brought in the UK because US libel laws include the so-called Sullivan defence, in which the claimant must prove malice or serious recklessness before the case proceeds to the courts.

Supporters of the Speech Act say the legislation is of huge importance to national security.

It means US courts can refuse to enforce any foreign libel case judgements.
Continue reading the main story
“Start Quote

    The Speech Act... allows Americans to expose the enemies of freedom and democracy without fear of foreign intimidation”

End Quote Rachel Ehrenfeld

The only exception would be if the
Title: Re: Obama approves US 'libel tourist' laws
Post by: Thor on August 11, 2010, 07:29:29 PM
Wonderful. Websites can be created and Conservatives can be disparaged without any possibility of preferring charges against those sites, now. More Hopey Changey.... ::)