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Britain's top judge today called for new legislation to end London's status as "libel capital" of the world amid fears that the existing law is used to stifle freedom of speech.
The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge, said he opposed the way people from around the world could bring libel cases here - even when the articles concerned had been mainly published abroad.
He was "very unsympathetic" to such "forum shopping", Lord Judge told a media briefing held to mark the end of his first year as Lord Chief Justice.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger last week signed a law to let the state's courts refuse to enforce British libel judgments.
Reader views (2)
This nonsense should cease immediately or as soon as the Tories get in. Is Judge Eady mainly to blame ?
We should have free speech as the Americans do which will put an end to having our courts cluttered up with foreigners claiming libel outside our country.
- Michael, London, UK, 20/10/2009 19:43
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Why do our courts have jurisdiction over another countries Laws?
- Frank, Home Counties, England., 20/10/2009 16:59
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