How can we ensure we are all free to speak out and speak up? How can we prevent powerful people from threatening vexatious legal actions that bring only silence?

What does reform of defamation law in Scotland look like?

Earlier this month, the Justice Committee announced a call for evidence for the Defamation and Malicious Publications (Scotland) Bill. This will reform defamation law in Scotland ensuring it protects everyone who expresses themselves, online and off. Whether you are a journalist, blogger, academic, scientist, community activist or social media user, this law affects you. By bringing forward meaningful reform we can prevent the law from being abused by powerful, wealthy and thin-skinned entities seeking to stifle criticism, public debate and active citizenship. This is our chance to ensure the laws of Scotland reflect the country as it is, not as it was.

This event, in partnership with the National Union of Journalists, will outline the case for reform, what needs to change and explore a range of reforms that can improve the law and Scotland’s commitment to free expression. Whatever your question – what is a serious harm threshold? Why is a single publication rule better for free expression than a multiple publication rule? How can we protect against unjustified threats? How do we balance between free expression and protecting our reputation? – bring them with you and following this event you will have everything you need to submit evidence to the Justice Committee in the name of meaningful reform.Joining us will be leading journalists and legal professionals who have seen how the laws can stifle journalism and legitimate criticism and tell their stories as to how this law can be transformed for the better.

Speakers are to be confirmed