English defamation laws are notoriously favourable to plaintiffs, and frequently used to silence debate. Debunking junk science there is a minefield for anyone brave enough to attempt it, as this article amply demonstrates.
Defamation law should be subject to a fair comment exception which requires proof by the plaintiff of bad faith on the part of the defendant.
The internet has only complicated this problem, as its global reach means that unscrupulous plaintiffs can sue in countries with the laws most favourable to them. An example of this is discussed here.
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