noun a strategic lawsuit against public participation
SLAPP suits can be used in politics to silence opposition or critics.
A SLAPP suit (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) is a lawsuit intended to censor, intimidate, and silence critics by burdening them with the cost of a legal defense until they abandon their criticism.
In the business world, SLAPP suits may be used to stifle competition or criticism.
SLAPP suits are often used by powerful individuals or organizations to suppress negative coverage or criticism in the media.
Environmental activists may be targeted with SLAPP suits to deter their efforts to protect the environment.
Activists may face SLAPP suits as a way to discourage their advocacy or protest activities.
A writer may face a SLAPP suit if they write articles or books that criticize powerful individuals or organizations. These lawsuits are often used to intimidate or silence the writer and prevent them from speaking out.
Journalists may be targeted with SLAPP suits for their investigative reporting or coverage of controversial topics. The goal is to deter them from publishing stories that may be damaging to the plaintiff.
Activists who speak out against social injustices or advocate for change may be slapped with SLAPP suits in an attempt to silence their activism. These lawsuits can drain resources and divert attention from their cause.
Lawyers may be involved in SLAPP suits as either the plaintiff or defendant. They may represent clients who are being sued for exercising their right to free speech, or they may be targeted themselves for their legal advocacy work.
PR specialists may be hired to manage the public image of individuals or organizations involved in SLAPP suits. They may work to shape public perception and mitigate any reputational damage resulting from the lawsuit.