Prof who sued over bad book review tries to defend herself

After Loss in Court, Scholar Defends Libel Lawsuit Over Negative Book Review
Karin N. Calvo-GollerEnlarge Image
By Jennifer Howard
Karin N. Calvo-Goller last week lost her controversial libel lawsuit in France, a case that had stoked concerns about libel tourism and scholars' freedom to publish criticism. She has not been talking to the news media, but she agreed this week to discuss the case with The Chronicle.

Ms. Calvo-Goller, a senior lecturer at the Academic Center of Law & Business, in Israel, had filed a criminal-libel complaint in France against Joseph H.H. Weiler, a professor at New York University's School of Law. He edits Global Law Books, a Web site that published a negative review of one of her books. The review was written by Thomas Weigend, a professor of law at the University of Cologne, in Germany. Her decision to sue in France caused some observers to say that she was looking for a venue with favorable laws.

But on March 3, a French court found in favor of Mr. Weiler, agreeing with his contention that it did not have proper jurisdiction in the case. In its ruling, it also criticized Ms. Calvo-Goller for bringing the action and ordered her to pay Mr. Weiler €8,000 (about $11,000).

Ms. Calvo-Goller answered questions from The Chronicle by e-mail. Her answers have been edited for space, with omissions indicated by ellipses. More here: http://chronicle.com/article/After-Loss-in-Court-Scholar/126720/