Beyond the Courtroom: Alternatives for Resolving Press Disputes

Abstract:     
This chapter describes an experimental alternative program for resolving media libel disputes out of court and explains why the program was created. The chapter first discusses the findings of an empirical study of the libel litigation system. That study found that the primary objectives of plaintiffs who sue for libel are not met by the current system and that the media incur large financial and other costs in defending libel suits. The experimental, voluntary, alternative program that was created in response to these findings is described, along with the potential benefits that it could offer both parties relative to the current system and to other media libel litigation reform proposals.

Keywords: libel, alternative dispute resolution, litigation

Accepted Paper Series