Libel reform: legal eagles and others with an interest in this sort of thing

[RowanMumsnet]

As you may know, Mumsnet is a member of the Libel Reform Campaign. Following pre-election pledges from all of the main parties to look at the antiquated libel laws in England and Wales, Lord Lester of Herne Hill has introduced a Defamation Bill to the House of Lords; it will receive its second reading soon. If it passes the Lords, it is expected to go to the Commons some time next year.

We're interested to see what Mumsnetters think about the new bill, both in general and as it affects companies like us. This could be the best chance for libel reform in a generation. The full text can be seen here.

There's a slightly easier to read version of the bill here and the explanatory notes put together by the drafters of the bill here.

Haven't read of all of it but having following Simon Singh's campaign about the British Chiropractic case I like the inlusion of "Honest Opinion".

As with all these things, I'd like to see a fairer system of compensation. The organisation fined for a sum that will serve as a punishment, but for the 'victim' to receive a sum equal to the damage suffered. The remaining money to go into a pot to comensate 'victims' where damaged occured in excess of what the organisation being fined are able to pay.

This will ensure a fairer system for both sides.

but that's just my little opinion.....I see it as quite daft that someone can sue McDondalds for multi-millions because someone spilt coffee on themselves.

now if you had a campaign for equal parenting rights, I would be with you.......

Libel Law? Naaaa, am commercial not criminal lawyer