Language: en
Meaning: (law,idiomatic)Uneasinessorunwillingnessto speak publicly or to write about a matter, as a result of thethreatorsuggestionof a libelactionshould one do so.1984December 16, William Vandersteel, “DefrostingLibel Chill”, inNew York Times, retrieved29 May 2014:Ira Glasser's Op-Ed article and Anthony Lewis's column of Dec. 10 both address the possible chilling effect on the press raised by the potential cost of defending against a libel action by a public official.1996February 3,Robert Winder, “Black humours”, inThe Independent, UK, retrieved29 May 2014:Black enjoys being rude about others—he has an endearing habit of writing sharp letters to his own papers—while reserving the right to sue those who are rude about him. Even Siklos is forced to refer to the "libel chill" around Black.2010September 13, Alice Bell, “A physicist, a chemist and a zoologist walk into a bar . . .”, inThe Guardian, UK, retrieved29 May 2014:There's been a lot of talk recently about the problem of "libel chill" on British science writing, that people self-censor for fear they'd be sued (as Simon Singh was by British Chiropractic Association).2013April 15, Dale Hamilton, “Libel chillleaving writers out in the cold”, inGuelph Mercury, Canada, retrieved29 May 2014:It’s called “libel chill,” and it means too many writers are hesitating or even refraining from publishing work that goes against the grain for fear of being dragged through our trauma-inducing legal system.2014May 29, Saurav Datta, “Hush — slander is a criminal offence in India”, inIndex on Censorship, UK, retrieved29 May 2014:The businessman lost no time in slapping legal notices against every television channel which broadcast the conference.Libel chill, without a shred of doubt, for all the channels went silent.
Validation Count: 0
Sourced from Wiktionary