Science writer Simon Singh wins libel appeal | Hacker News Reader

Science writer Simon Singh wins libel appeal

news.bbc.co.uk

142 pointsprakash6 comments

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"

"These sequestered nooks are the public offices of the legal profession, where writs are issued, judgments signed, declarations filed, and numerous other ingenious machines put in motion for the torture and torment of His Majesty's liege subjects, and the comfort and emolument of the practitioners of the law." (Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers)

The problem with the UK's libel laws is that you have to prove what you say. This makes sense if I write an article calling you a child murderer - you sue me and I have to prove it's true (ie you murdered a child) you don't have to prove you didn't.

But this logic backfires when I accuse you of lying, I have to prove you are wrong (that your treatment doesn't work) - you don't have to prove it does.

The UK's libel laws are also notorious for siding with the person being libeled. That's why Hollywood celebs always sue in London, and why we can't see the south park scientology episode.

I've seen the South Park scientology episode a half-dozen times on Comedy Central UK. On all other points though - yes.

He didn't actually win the case - he merely won the 'right to rely on the defence of fair comment in a libel action'.

It is a sad comment on our society that even a minor victory for common sense (such as this) makes me bubble over in happiness.

right, but this makes his case winnable. before, he was doomed...

Simon spoke at the Royal College of Science's Science Challenge dinner last week. I really enjoyed his speech. It's great that he's decided to take up this charge instead of standing down, as the vast majority of people in his position would have no choice. However, in his words, this verdict is simply the court's interpretation of the meaning of his article. The legal implication of the article, now that the meaning is decided, is to be decided later.

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