What is a SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) ?
The law lets Texans voice their concerns and opinions without fear of being sued for doing so.
A strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP), SLAPP suit, or intimidation lawsuit aims to censor, intimidate, and silence critics. It burdens them with the cost of a legal defense until they abandon their criticism or opposition.
Anti-SLAPP Laws and the Lawsuit Against Public Participation
Thankfully, Anti–SLAPP laws provide for early dismissal of meritless lawsuits that people face for exercising First Amendment rights.
The acronym “SLAPP” stands for “Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation.” Two law school professors coined that phrase in the late 1980s. You can read more about the term on Wikipedia.
Key Takeaways
- A SLAPP is also called a SLAPP suit or an intimidation lawsuit.
- It aims to censor, intimidate, and silence critics through the cost of a legal defense.
- In addition, anti-SLAPP laws provide for early dismissal of meritless lawsuits.
- Finally, two law school professors coined the phrase in the late 1980s.
Related Reading on Creative Geniusess
- Kevin L. Walker WINS Dismissal in SLAPP Trade Libel and Defamation Case, on an Anti-SLAPP motion that won dismissal with prejudice.
- What Is a Default Judgment and How Can You Avoid One?, on judgments that follow when you do not respond to a lawsuit in time.
- Lawtopolis Launches: Free Legal Education Meets a Verified Attorney Directory, on a free legal library with license-checked attorneys.
