Advertisement 
SEJournal Online is the digital news magazine of the Society of Environmental Journalists. Learn more about SEJournal Online, including submission, subscription and advertising information.
July 6, 2016
SLAPP lawsuits are legal bullying. "Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation" use the resources of well-heeled business or political groups to harass smaller citizens' groups or (sometimes) news media who can barely afford lawyers. Now some are calling for a federal law to counter them.
Bruce Brown, executive director of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (RCFP) testified in favor of anti-SLAPP legislation June 22, 2016, before a House hearing.
Many — but not all — states already have anti-SLAPP laws. Such laws allow quick termination of meritless lawsuits. But remaining gaps are reason for a federal law.
Such a bill (HR 2304) has been introduced by Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-TX).
- "Reporters Committee Executive Director Brown Urges Lawmakers To Pass Federal Anti-SLAPP Statute," Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, release of June 22, 2016.
SEJ Publication Types:
Topics on the Beat:
Visibility:
