Toward Normalization of Libel Laws: The U.K. Defamation Act 2013

• In Event: The Right to Speak and the Right to Remain Private

Abstract

England has developed the unfortunate epithet of being the “libel tourism capital of the world,” while its former colony, the U.S. has amongst the most liberal libel laws worldwide. This article explores the development of libel law in the two territories and the recent 2013 Defamation Act passed in the U.K. to help eliminate the problem of libel tourism. It advocates normalization of libel laws as a solution to the problem of libel tourism.

Authors

• Roxanne Watson, U of South Florida

• Roberto Roldan, U of South Florida

• Andres Faza, U of South Florida