Great news, Simon Singh has won his appeal of a lawsuit brought by a chiropratic organization in England for his (well founded) criticism of some of their beneficial health claims. Despite having a great deal of evidence based medicine (you know, actual science!), the libel laws in Britain allow science writers (and others) to be sued in sort of an “guilty until you prove you’re innocent” fashion. The effect has been a sustained choking of anyone writing critical statements of various fringe, cult, pseudo-science, etc groups/people.

Anyhow, it appears that this is a very positive step.



----- From Sile Lang, Sense About Science -----
 
Dear friends
A very quick note to make sure you heard that Simon Singh’s appeal in his case with the BCA was upheld today. It means that Simon can now defend his article as comment rather than as fact, as Justice Eady had originally ruled.
Simon said today: “It is ridiculous that it has cost £200,000 to establish the meaning of a handful of words. I am delighted that my meaning has been vindicated by three of the most powerful judges in the country, and I relish the opportunity to defend this meaning in court. However, I am still angry that libel is so horrendously expensive. That is just one of the reasons why the battle for libel reform must continue.”
You can read more comments from campaigners and supporters at www.libelreform.org/news/450-judgement-in-simon-singh-libel-case
And the judgment and Simon’s lawyer’s notes on what this means for Simon’s case and for libel reform is here: http://www.senseaboutscience.org.uk/index.php/site/project/473/
Jack of Kent has blogged on the ruling here: http://jackofkent.blogspot.com/
The Guardianhttp://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/apr/01/simon-singh-wins-libel-court
The Daily Telegraphhttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/7543685/Science-writer-Simon-Singh-wins-Court-of-Appeal-libel-battle.html
BBC Radio 4 World at One http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00rlff7
BBC online http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8598472.stm
And check here for updated lists of press coverage: www.senseaboutscience.org.uk/index.php/site/project/473/
Keep an eye out for Simon, his lawyer Robert Dougans and members of the libel reform campaign on Channel 4 news, the BBC News channel, Sky News and BBC radio stations this evening.
Simon, and the campaign for libel reform, both still have a very long fight ahead of us. We are very pleased  the three most powerful members of the Judiciary in England have recognised  the need for libel law reform. We need to make sure everyone else does too.
Best
Sile