English libel law is fucked up beyond all recognition.

Thanks to its costs and evidential rules (English libel law being one of a tiny number of areas of law in which a defendant must prove his/her innocence rather than the other way around), it is being abused repeatedly by the wealthy, forcing journalists, authors and publishers to work under increasingly restrictive conditions.  British democracy isn’t working terribly well these days and a free and unfettered press is vital to robust ideological debate and a healthy democracy.

Recently, the remit of the libel courts has extended to the scientific community.  Simon Singh, the science writer, is being sued for libel by the British Chiropractic Association over an article he wrote last year for The Guardian.  Alan Rusbridger has removed the article in question from his newspaper’s website, though a copy can be read here.

I’m going to err on the side of caution where the Contempt of Court Act 1981 is concerned but if you can spot the libel in that article, you’re a better man than me.

I believe it not only desirable but fundamental for the health and development of society that matters of public interest can be discussed openly and criticised constructively without fear of being dragged through the libel courts.  Scientists must be free to evaluate hypotheses and knock them back if they fail scientific scrutiny.

A plethora of issues surrounding English libel law urgently needs addressing by our politicians – HA! – but in the meantime, if you feel strongly about freedom of thought and freedom of speech, you may wish to consider putting your name to a petition being organised by the charitable trusts Sense About Science stating that it is inappropriate to use the English libel laws to silence critical discussion of medical practice and scientific evidence.

Click the button below if you wish to add your support.