Wednesday 22 July 2009

Privacy, libel & freedom of speech

Free speech hangs on the right and ability to say what you think or believe without fear or sanction. It's a right that is tempered by the constraints of the law covering slander, libel and defamation. If you say something contentious you may be held to account for what you've said. Libel actions are notoriously expensive to pursue, making the threat of prosecution a real threat to the right of free speech...

Speaking out legitimately is harder if you don't have the resources to defend your rights in court - self censorship comes into play and society loses out in the process. It's a theme picked up and discussed in more detail on Heresy Corner. Well worth a read..

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