Florida bill can subvert media defamation laws

Gross said she was also shocked by part of the bill, which requires “reasonable fees and attorney fees” to the plaintiff’s losses in court, and among other other fines, it seems to encourage more people to sue the media. A key related part would undermine the retaliation or frivolous lawsuits designed to silence critics (so-called anti-slapp (opposition to public participation law) laws) that should be requested by allowing government figures or other powerful plaintiffs to restore the defendant’s attorney’s fees, which should be requested by their lawsuits.

“This gives public officials and their strong allies a greater incentive to file rash defamation claims because they will be able to pay attorney fees,” Gross said.

Andrade insists that he is trying to use bills to win lower people. He particularly emphasized Nicholas Sandmana Covington Catholic high school student is involved in an encounter with a Native American protester, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC in 2019. Litigation against other channels has been abandoned Last year in federal court.

“Currently, the only person who can successfully file a slander claim against anyone is rich and powerful. No one else can afford it,” Andrade said. “How can a person who earns a median income now afford $100,000 to pay the attorney to file this lawsuit?”

But critics who spoke with BuzzFeed News said they believe the bill will ultimately benefit powerful public figures, as the FCGA notes, as Petersen points out, they are more likely to be the subject of media coverage.

“I can’t see where in this bill, they can get anything anywhere they protect the little guys,” Peterson said. “I can’t see.”

The FAF and the FAF point out that “Citizen Facebookers” will also be affected because the bill covers extensively any “discourse on the Internet” such as social media posts or online comments, as well as “any speech to the audience,” such as citizens who may speak in public meetings.

“The only person I can see that benefits are rich and powerful,” Brock said. “I know Governor DeSantis has said it has something to do with the little one, but I can’t see any benefit of the ordinary Joe. Instead, I think the ordinary Joe will be seriously hurt by that.”

Critics told BuzzFeed News that the combined effect of the bill would be to limit the media and the public’s scrutiny of powerful numbers, and they create a huge financial burden if they make mistakes. Insurance costs for the media defending themselves in court could soar, putting small groups like the FCGA at risk. Hans said the bill attempts to intimidate the press, and ultimately, many media may decide that some stories are not worth the risk of litigation.

“It is about doing complex analysis, but Well, is this politician a public figure when we talk about this? How do we solve this problem?many organizations and journalists will say rationally, We just won’t handle this. We won’t report this,Hans said.

While some may celebrate what they believe is the right-wing Florida government following the left-wing news media, the chill of public discourse will affect people with all political stripes. After all, Fox News is currently the two most watched defendants defamation litigation In the country.

“Many conservatives and supporters Donald Trump Ron DeSantis would say, “Haha, tough Noogies, New York Times and CNN and Washington Post!” But I don’t think they realize how that will affect their local conservative radio stations. ” Brock said.

HB 991 is just the latest attempt by the Florida government, both in classroom,,,,, Universityor State Capitol protestDeSantis and his allies are working to silence everyone teacher arrive Disney. Many of these bills have Inspired imitators in other statesAnd in view of the governor’s extensive coverage President’s ambitionPeterson said people across the United States should focus on this latest attack.

“People need to pay attention to what’s going on in Florida because our governor will run for president in the 2024 election, and he has made it clear that what he is trying to do is make Florida a role model for the rest of the country,” she said.