Dominion v. Fox News -- Implications on Free Speech, Media and Politics

The Political Forum returns after a short hiatus!

Earlier this week, a settlement was reached in a defamation suit of Dominion Voting Systems, Inc. v. Fox News Network, LLC (Case No. N21C-03-257 EMD). The outcome of this matter -- especially the extraordinary and unprecedented nature of the settlement -- will have long-lasting effects that will reverberate in the realm of Free Speech, media and politics.

For this meeting, we'll discuss the substantive merits of the case -- claims asserted by Dominion and the defenses advanced by Fox -- all in the context of the outcome of the 2020 Presidential Election. In doing so, we'll discuss the following:

▨ Should there be limits to Free Speech? If so, how would you justify placing limits on this fundamental right?

▨ Do you believe that the current defamation jurisprudence in the U.S. provides a proper balance and safeguards for the competing interests?

▨ If a statement was made with known falsity or based on the reckless disregarded of the truth, should it be actionable in court? What other mechanisms or repercussions should be in place for any redress?

▨ Do you believe that Judge Eric M. Davis was fair and impartial in his pre-trial rulings, related to motions and jury instructions?

▨ Did Fox suffer a significant reputational harm as a result of this matter? What did we learn about the inner-workings at Fox, based on the documents produced in discovery?

▨ How will this case affect the future of journalism?

▨ What's next on the docket: Smartmatic v. Fox (and possibly another shareholder derivative action)

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The full text of the Complaint can be accessed here:
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/20527880-dominion-v-fox-news-complaint