[Washington Post] Editorial - The problem is known as libel tourism; the damage inflicted on the First Amendment and academic freedom is serious. Disgruntled subjects of articles or books produced and distributed almost exclusively in the U.S. file suit in foreign jurisdictions to get around the strong First Amendment protections afforded here to journalistic and academic works. Britain has become a favorite venue for unhappy subjects because plaintiffs win cases that would be thrown out by U.S. courts. U.S. lawmakers are considering legal avenues to address the problem. One bill would empower U.S. judges to block enforcement of a foreign libel judgment if it does not comport with U.S. standards. It would also help immensely if Britain strengthened free-speech protections in its laws, as some British lawmakers are considering.
2009-02-20 06:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive