A three-year long libel case brought against a science journal has been dismissed, in a move that highlights the need for a public interest clause in UK defamation law to protect the free press. "The judgment is an important victory for free speech, and is a shot in the arm for the public interest defence of qualified privilege," said Niri Shan, the solicitor who represented Nature and its associated parties. "Having said that, the fact that the claimant was able to bring this matter to trial highlights the urgent need for libel reform in the area of science reporting, as the law, as it currently stands, is stifling scientific debate."   By: Liat Clark, Edited by: Nate Lanxon Continue reading... - daniel