cover image A Chilling Effect: The Mounting Threat of Liberal and Invasion of Privacy Actions to the First...

A Chilling Effect: The Mounting Threat of Liberal and Invasion of Privacy Actions to the First...

Lois G. Forer. W. W. Norton & Company, $18.95 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-393-02396-1

Ability to pay determines the fate of an ever-growing number of libel suit litigants, contends Judge Forer of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. As she demonstrates in a clear, balanced, example-filled exposition, individuals, media and authors are victims of a patchwork of often contradictory and antiquated libel laws in each of the 50 states, compounded by inconsistent Supreme Court decisions. Loss of free expression, a timid press and exploitive litigation concerning privacy infringement in biographies, films and fictionalized accounts of real crimes, along with exorbitant damages are among the results. Forer advocates the enactment of a federal libel and privacy statute that would establish public policy of obligations and rights, permitting the expression of opinion of government and its officials by citizens and guaranteeing access to its institutions. She further urges that verdicts be based on compensation, not punitive damages. (May 26)