Political Libels: A Comparative Study

(Hardback)

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Description

This study of the phenomenon of political libels looks behind the headlines and examines the political and legal problems which surround this little understood but controversial area of English law. In this work, the author surveys the ancient and modern history of the political libel laws, and argues that the English law of libel has in the main been too jealous of defending the reputations of politicians and insufficiently alert to the legitimate interest of the public. A strong case is made for reforming the law substantially, a case which rests both on the experience of other countries (notably the USA), and also on a re-examination of a handful of English cases dating from the mid to late 19th century, whose significance has been downplayed by lawyers in subsequent years.

Reviews

This is a valuable and interesting monograph on an aspect of defamation law which is of great topical interest. -- Geoffrey Bindman * New Law Journal *
Not only lawyers and journalists but politicians would also find Loveland's thorough analysis of the law, derived from cases of political libel, instructive. -- A. G. Noorani * Economic and Political Weekly *
stimulating and engaging narrative. His tour and commentary is consistently interestingIt deserves attention. -- Patrick Milmo QC * International and Comparative Law Quarterly October 2001 *
As one would expect, Political Libels is a well structured work. The argument is clearly and logically developed in easily comprehensible stages. The comparative analysis is skilfully interwoven within the fabric of the book, and the mode of expression is clear and sharp. Overall, Professor Ian Loveland has advanced an intensely readable and erudite case for reform of the English law of political libels. His book makes a valuable and stimulating contribution to scholarship in this area, and is well deserving of a place on the bookshelves of all defamation aficionados. -- Michael Gillooly * Media and Arts Law Review *
Political Libels fills a large gap in the libel literature that for too long has been predominantly descriptive the book remains a welcomed contribution to our understanding of a controversial topic of English law. -- Sharon Lockyer, Loughborough University * Political Studies *
Professor Ian Loveland is well known for his extensive writing on the use of the law of defamation by public figures to protect their reputations....interesting book......thought-provoking -- David Feldman * Public Law *
Ian Loveland has produced a significant comparative analysis of defamation doctrine -- Andrew T. Kenyon * Melbourne University Law Review *

Author Bio

Ian Loveland is a Professor at City University, London.