Sunday, June 25, 2006

Latest UK Net libel case

The latest Internet libel case in the UK courts is Al Amoudi v Brisard and JCB Consulting International SARL [2006] EWHC 1062 (QB), which was decided last month in the High Court. I've been meaning to read it in detail and put a note here but thankfully Lilian Edwards has already posted the key elements of the decision on her newly named 'PanGloss' blog, so I can just refer readers there. Mr Justice Gray decided that Al Amoudi had not proved "substantial publication" of the alleged libellous statements in the UK. Given the severity of UK libel law and its attraction for litigants from all over the world this, along with the Jameel case last year, is another important step in the right direction in damping down the enthusiasm of jurisdiction shopping Net libel litigants.

Update: The Jameel case is being appealed to the House of Lords and due to be heard on the 26th June.

No comments: