By Bernd Debusmann Jr
BBC News, Washington
One of the most anticipated defamation trials in recent US history is about to start, pitting one of the world's most famous news brands against a little known voting technology firm.
At stake is the reputation of Fox News, the strength of US libel laws versus the right to free speech and a sense of where the false 2020 election claims go next.
The start of the trial was postponed until Tuesday amid reports the two sides are in settlement talks.
Here's a few key questions about the case and what to look for if it goes to trial.
What exactly is Fox accused of?
In the lawsuit, Dominion Voting Systems - whose equipment was used in 28 states during the election - argues that Fox News on-air personalities regularly repeated and amplified anti-Dominion conspiracy theories and demonstrably false claims about the firm in order to avoid a backlash from a largely pro-Trump audience.
These claims, for example, included assertions that Dominion altered voting results and that it worked with late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez to create machines that would "make sure he never lost an election".
Dominion claims that these allegations hurt the company's business and its reputation - and is now seeking $1.6bn (1.3bn) in damages.
To prove that defamation took place, Dominion's lawyers will have to argue that Fox News willingly and knowingly provided false information to its viewers, despite knowing that the information was untrue.
Their case will...
Read Full Story:
https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiMWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jb20vbmV3cy93...