noun a type of lawsuit that is intended to censor, intimidate, and silence critics by burdening them with the cost of a legal defense until they abandon their criticism or opposition
SLAPP stands for Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation. It refers to a lawsuit that is intended to censor, intimidate, and silence critics by burdening them with the cost of a legal defense until they abandon their criticism or opposition.
SLAPP suits are often used in the media industry to discourage journalists or news outlets from reporting on certain topics or individuals. These lawsuits can have a chilling effect on freedom of speech and the press.
SLAPPs are commonly used against activists and advocacy groups to deter them from speaking out or taking action on social or political issues. The threat of legal action can stifle grassroots movements and limit public participation.
In the field of environmental advocacy, SLAPPs are used to silence environmentalists and community members who oppose development projects or advocate for environmental protection. These lawsuits can hinder efforts to protect natural resources and promote
Writers may face SLAPP suits if they write articles or books that criticize individuals or corporations. These suits are often used as a form of censorship to silence dissenting voices.
Psychologists may encounter SLAPP suits if they provide expert testimony or evaluations that are unfavorable to a particular party in a legal case. These suits can be used to intimidate psychologists and prevent them from testifying in court.
Journalists are frequent targets of SLAPP suits when they investigate and report on controversial topics or powerful individuals. These suits are used to discourage investigative journalism and protect the interests of those being exposed.
Activists often face SLAPP suits when they engage in protests or advocacy campaigns that challenge the status quo or powerful interests. These suits are used to deter activists from speaking out and organizing for social change.