What is the purpose of anti-SLAPP laws?

The purpose of anti-SLAPP laws is to reduce frivolous lawsuits that aim to silence or intimidate individuals from exercising their rights to free speech and public participation, particularly in matters of public concern. These laws are designed to protect individuals who speak out on important issues, by providing a mechanism to dismiss lawsuits that are considered to be strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP). The underlying principle is to promote open dialogue and public discourse without the fear of retaliation through legal action.

Anti-SLAPP laws typically enable a defendant to quickly challenge the lawsuit and potentially recover attorney’s fees if the case is found to have no merit. This encourages more people to engage in discussions or activities that may otherwise be stifled by the fear of legal repercussions. Thus, the correct choice reflects the essential function of these laws in safeguarding democratic participation and ensuring that individuals can contribute to conversations on significant societal topics without undue burden or fear of litigation.