Oil for Food Scandal: Cash x 2

[Tingkai]

The U.S. system is flawed. Let's say I have never taken a bribe, but a newspaper says I have. How do I prove I have not done something? It's impossible.

In the American system, Galloway would have to prove that the Telegraph's documents are false.

The American system is more conducive to libel.

[Imran Siddiqui]

Let's say I have never taken a bribe, but a newspaper says I have. How do I prove I have not done something? It's impossible.

Not so. You have to prove that the facts the newspaper has gotten to make that assertion are incorrect and they didn't check it out (and if you are a public person, you have to prove malice).

And in order for a newspaper to prove what it has printed is true (ie, having the burden of proof), wouldn't it have to reveal its sources? Wouldn't that create a chilling effect on the press?

The American system is more conducive to libel.

It's more conducive to freedom of the press and freedom of speech, it is. It forces the accuser to prove his claim, rather than the accused having to disprove the claim.

Frankly I'll take the US system. And Britain seems to have more tabloids as major news sources, which are more likely than non-tabloid news services to make stuff up about people .