In American courts, the burden of proof rests with the person who brings a claim of libel. In British courts, the author or journalist has the burden of proof, and typically loses.
Under the new rules, libel tourism is less common. It is no longer as easy for people with little U.K. presence to bring these lawsuits in British courts. The law now says someone making a libel claim must demonstrate that a defamatory statement will cause "serious harm."
This one is interesting in that Johnny doesn't live in the UK, but Rowling does. Since she is mentioned in the original article, I wonder if she is considering a similar suit or just having her mentioned in the article will help his case.
HOW TO WIN A DEFAMATION LAWSUIT IN THE UK
In order for a claimant to succeed in a defamation lawsuit, the following must be true:
The statement in question must be a negative false statement of fact;
The statement in question identifies or refers to the claimant;
The statement in question was published.
In order for a claimant to succeed in a defamation lawsuit, the following must be true:
The statement in question must be a negative false statement of fact;
The statement in question identifies or refers to the claimant;
The statement in question was published.
DEFAMATION DEFENSES IN UK
Acceptable defenses in a U.K. defamation case are:
Justification (truth);
Qualified Privilege (defendant did not act with malice; reporting of proceedings in a foreign court);
Reynolds Privilege (subject matter was sufficiently in the public interest, journalists researched carefully and behaved responsibly);
Absolute Privilege (fair and accurate reporting of domestic court proceedings); or
Fair Comment (matters of legitimate public concern that constitutes a comment, rather than a statement of fact, which an honest person could make on those matters [i.e. critique or film review]).
Acceptable defenses in a U.K. defamation case are:
Justification (truth);
Qualified Privilege (defendant did not act with malice; reporting of proceedings in a foreign court);
Reynolds Privilege (subject matter was sufficiently in the public interest, journalists researched carefully and behaved responsibly);
Absolute Privilege (fair and accurate reporting of domestic court proceedings); or
Fair Comment (matters of legitimate public concern that constitutes a comment, rather than a statement of fact, which an honest person could make on those matters [i.e. critique or film review]).
JURY OR JUDGE UNDER UK DEFAMATION LAW
In the UK, most defamation cases are settled out of court. If parties can agree, the jury can be dispensed in favor of a single judge. There are statutory provisions permitting a trial by a judge alone, if the case involves a significant number of documents or complex technical issues.
LIBEL TOURISM AND THE UK
Why is the UK known as the “libel tourism” capitol of the world? Aside from a “no win, no fee” contingency, damages awarded to libel claimants are high. As the term suggests, libel tourism is the practice of non-UK citizens or companies using UK courts for defamation cases because existing laws in the British Commonwealth favor plaintiffs. However, since the passing of the UK Defamation Act of 2013, libel tourism is expected to decrease.
In the UK, most defamation cases are settled out of court. If parties can agree, the jury can be dispensed in favor of a single judge. There are statutory provisions permitting a trial by a judge alone, if the case involves a significant number of documents or complex technical issues.
LIBEL TOURISM AND THE UK
Why is the UK known as the “libel tourism” capitol of the world? Aside from a “no win, no fee” contingency, damages awarded to libel claimants are high. As the term suggests, libel tourism is the practice of non-UK citizens or companies using UK courts for defamation cases because existing laws in the British Commonwealth favor plaintiffs. However, since the passing of the UK Defamation Act of 2013, libel tourism is expected to decrease.
It sounds right to me, that our gentleman would want to do that 
'Innocent until proven guilty in a court of law' must have been outlaw by some court or other, right 
?
