Middle East studies in the News

Libel Tourism Bill Re-introduced in House

by Samantha Fredrickson
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
March 11, 2009

http://www.rcfp.org/newsitems/index.php?i=10004

http://www.campus-watch.org/article/id/7038

A libel tourism bill was re-introduced in the House last week by Rep. Peter King (R-NY).

The bill, H.R. 1304, would prevent U.S. courts from recognizing foreign libel judgments against U.S. defendants that are repugnant to the First Amendment. It would also create a cause of action for defendants to countersue the plaintiffs who bring those libel lawsuits.

A companion bill was introduced by Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) earlier this year. A separate libel tourism bill, which does not reach as far as King's and Specter's bill because it does not create a cause of action, was passed in the House last year and has not yet been re-introduced. That bill was sponsored by Rep. Steve Cohen (R-Tenn.).

Note: Articles listed under "Middle East studies in the News" provide information on current developments concerning Middle East studies on North American campuses. These reports do not necessarily reflect the views of Campus Watch and do not necessarily correspond to Campus Watch's critique.

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