The Press: Rogues' Playground

As Laborite M.P. Harold Lever sees it, British libel laws are a "playground for rogues." Even though the basic principles of libel in Britain are the same as in the U.S., Britain's ancient laws have so many loopholes that court verdicts are often weighted heavily against newspapers. Seven months ago Lawyer Lever set out to change the laws, got the full backing of the British press, which has been clamoring for a liberalization of the statutes for years. Last week, thanks largely to Lever's efforts, Britain's libel laws were getting their first real overhauling in 50 years. The House of Commons...

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