The Anonymous Widower

Libel

I have been rather amused when yet another high-profile figure loses a libel case over something in a book, that I would consider trivial and ignore. I would hope I have better things to do than go to court over something like that.

What is interesting about this case, is that I have not heard or seen it being reported on the BBC. Are they frightened that they might get sued for repeating a libel?  At least the case is fully reported in the Guardian and there is some wonderful reporting, which may be quite fanciful, scurrilous and made up, in the blogosphere.

Increasingly, as I read my papers and watch the television, I get the impression, that libel is used more and more, by the rich, famous and the powerful to stop adverse or unwelcome views being distributed.  Now, I don’t mind if the law is used to protect privacy and keep the secrets that we all would prefer to keep secret, but when it comes to suing those who say Company X is an environmental disgrace, then I’m of the opinion that you turn the other cheek. In my opinion you look an idiot by suing, as you certainly make many more people aware of what was said, whether it is true or not.

My late wife did her first pupilage in libel chambers in Inner Temple.  The tales she heard about what people were thinking of suing on were quite hilarious.  Unfortunately, most never came to court, as the libel was in fact just an opinion and no-one would care anyway.  But it was obviously a very nice earner for the barristers. Interestingly, she told me that regularly members of chambers would go down the road to Fleet Street to read the next day’s papers before printing.

One story, I’ve heard a couple of times, is of the abrasive city tycoon, who was frequently misrepresented in the press.  He kept all his cuttings for the visitors to his office to see and actually liked the more outrageous ones.  But he never sued.  His attitude was right!  I don’t think he suffered the Curse of Gnome either. This is a misfortune that occurs if you issue a writ against Private Eye.

So my late wife’s advice to anybody who is thinking about suing for libel was don’t.  You’ll make it worse and you’ll only end up with a large bill from lawyers.  Even if you win! I agree entirely.

Sometimes in this blog, I might offend someone.  I intend not to, but then I might unintentionally.  At a first instance, I’d remove the offending post, but then if I knew I was right, I’d fight.  But then, I’d go to court as a litigant in person.  That would really upset everybody and get maximum publicity.

Incidentally, I shall be buying Private Eye today, to see what they say about yesterday’s case.  I probably wouldn’t if the case hadn’t occurred. It will be interesting to see if their sales are up!

July 24, 2009 - Posted by AnonW | News | Law