Post by vertigo on Oct 27, 2005 5:21:21 GMT -5
I see in the news today (see here) libel damages of £250,000 have been awarded for a statement in a newspaper that a situation was handled 'shabbily'.
Just so you know, libel has always been about factual statements, like accusing someone of stealing money. Value judgements, such calling the handling of a situation 'shabby' shouldn't even get to court. This judgement bridges the gap to not being allowed to insult anyone in the media, or elsewhere. Freedom of speech got sidelined here, and it is a very bad omen of things to come.
This is a sad day for freedom.
Just so you know, libel has always been about factual statements, like accusing someone of stealing money. Value judgements, such calling the handling of a situation 'shabby' shouldn't even get to court. This judgement bridges the gap to not being allowed to insult anyone in the media, or elsewhere. Freedom of speech got sidelined here, and it is a very bad omen of things to come.
But a spokesman for Mr Lowe's solicitors, Mishcon de Reya, said: "We never wanted to go to court and tried to settle this case from day one.
"The decision of the jury has not only vindicated our clients' reputation but will send a loud and clear message to all newspapers that they cannot hide behind the cloak of fair comment whilst being cavalier with the facts."
"The decision of the jury has not only vindicated our clients' reputation but will send a loud and clear message to all newspapers that they cannot hide behind the cloak of fair comment whilst being cavalier with the facts."
This is a sad day for freedom.