Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation

Abstract

SLAPP lawsuits are a strategic litigation tool where the aim is more often than not, not so much to win or get a remedy, as to silence or discourage criticism or opposition. They are seen as a weapon of deterrent by those who threaten or use them. SLAPPs seek to exploit the burdens of litigation that will be familiar to all litigation lawyers, including the risk of winning or losing inherent in any litigation, the time and costs thereof and the discovery obligations.