If you're a regular reader, you know that the libel laws in the UK are truly awful. Instead of the burden of proof being on the accuser, as it should be, in the UK the burden is on the accused. So if I decide to sue you for something you wrote about me, it's up to you to prove there was no malicious intent on your part. And it can cost you literally millions of dollars to defend yourself. That, to be blunt, sucks. And it's bad for freedom of expression, because it means that criticism of a claim can be substantially suppressed; who would want to speak out against, say, quacks, if they can sue you and cost you time and money? And we know this is the case because skeptic Simon Singh is being sued under these draconian laws by the British Chiropractic Association for saying they happily ...
100,000 against bad libel laws
Learn how the libel laws in the UK impact freedom of expression and why reform is needed. Sign the petition today!
More on Discover
Stay Curious
SubscribeTo The Magazine
Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.
Subscribe