From ElyPlace Chambers – British Chiropractic Association v Singh – BCA admits defeat.
The BCA today served a Notice of Discontinuance bringing to an end its ill-fated libel claim against Dr Simon Singh arising out of criticisms he made of its promotion of treatments for childhood ailments.
Dr Singh’s predicament as the sole defendant in an action brought in respect of a comment piece in the Guardian newspaper (to which the BCA never directed any complaint) was seen as a rallying point for those concerned about the abuse of UK libel laws in connection with scientific debate.
Interest intensified when Eady J ruled that his words were not comment and that in order to defend himself he would have to prove the objective truth of what he wrote.
Earlier this month the Court of Appeal overturned that ruling and this has lead the BCA to abandon its claim.
Many congratulations to all involved, to Simon Singh and Sense about Science, all the people involved in the fundraising, all the bloggers, all who signed the petition and to science and common sense prevailing!
Keep an eye on Jack of Kent for more details as they come to hand.
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Do we know whether Simon got all his costs? Something like this would usually follow a negotiated settlement, which would include what happens with accrued costs. Maybe you’re not the right person to ask, or maybe the terms are confidential.
This is delicious news.
Woot. Yes hope he gets costs as well.
WIN
What a year! And it’s only April! And it’s Chiropractic Awareness Week again!
I’m now just thinking of shirt slogans that combine Chiro Awareness Week with the Singh-Win. ‘Are you aware that…’
I’m overjoyed to hear this.
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