The UK reconsiders its super-rich friendly libel laws

The UK is reconsidering its stringent defamation laws which effectively muzzle the press both in Britain, and in many other countries. “For the oligarchs and super-rich who can afford these sky-high costs the threat of legal action has become a new kind of lawfare. We must put a stop to its chilling effect,” said Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a statement. The government has suggested capping costs, but some hope for judges to impose double or triple costs if a claim was found to be abusive as done in Canada and elsewhere to prevent abusive litigation. This could potentially attract litigation funders to back these cases, secure in the knowledge that they could potentially double or triple their money if they won. More from Coda Story.