With privacy and libel cases on the increase, and the recent surge in ‘no win no fee’ law suits, is it now too easy to sue for defamation? And are our privacy laws now so restrictive that we risk extinguishing debate? Gary Slapper, Professor of Law at The Open University, and Frances Gibb, Legal Editor of The Times, discuss the need to balance individual privacy with free speech, and the ability of those in the media to express an opinion without the threat of legal action.
Track 1: Privacy Laws and The Media
Professor Gary Slapper of The Open University, and Frances Gibb, Legal Editor of The Times discuss issues surrounding privacy laws and litigation for defamation.
Professor Gary Slapper of The Open University, and Frances Gibb, Legal Editor of The Times discuss issues surrounding privacy laws and litigation for defamation.
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Privacy Laws and The Media
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Originally published: Monday, 16 August 2010
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Body text - Content : Copyright The Open University 2010
The transcript "Privacy Laws and The Media" presents a nuanced conversation between Gary ******* and Frances Gibb on the evolving dynamics of defamation and privacy laws in the UK. They explore the tension between freedom of expression and individual rights to reputation and privacy, emphasizing how recent legal changes have shifted the balance of power away from media outlets and toward individuals, particularly due to privacy protections bolstered by the Human Rights Act and the rise of no-win-no-fee legal arrangements. High-profile cases, such as those involving Robert Dee and Simon Singh, illustrate the risks of chilling public debate through litigation, while also highlighting the growing need for a statutory public interest defense. The dialogue underscores the broader societal implications of these legal shifts, including concerns over judicial tendencies favoring privacy and the diminishing role of juries in libel trials.
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