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What are SLAPPs?
(The following definition is from CASP Website-California Anti-Slapp Project) SLAPPs
-- Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation -- are civil complaints or counterclaims (against either an individual
or an organization) in which the alleged injury was the result of petitioning or free speech activities protected by the First
Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. SLAPPs are often brought by corporations, real estate developers,
or government officials and entities against individuals who oppose them on public issues. Typically, SLAPPs are based on
ordinary civil tort claims such as defamation, conspiracy, and interference with prospective economic advantage.
While most SLAPPs are legally meritless, they effectively achieve their principal purpose: to chill
public debate on specific issues. Defending a SLAPP requires substantial money, time, and legal resources and thus diverts
the defendant's attention away from the public issue. Equally important, however, a SLAPP also sends a message to others:
you, too, can be sued if you speak up.
Every year thousands of people are hit with SLAPPs for such activities as writing a letter to a newspaper,
reporting misconduct by public officals, speaking at public meetings, filing complaints with officials over violations of
labor laws or health and safety laws, "whistleblowing" in corporations, or organizing tenants.
For more information on SLAPPs and or how to protect yourself -visit
http://www.casp.net/index.html
Organization helps prevent and defend against Strategic Lawsuits Against Public
Participation, which keep people from posting to Internet forums.
www.casp.net
What's Hiding In Home Contracts
(CBS) When Mary Cohn tried to sue the company that built her home for producing
a house filled with defects, she didn't exactly find a welcome mat at the courthouse.
"Our home was infiltrated with
mold and water. It made my children ill living in this home," Cohn says.
Sunday, June 01, 2003. NV: Judge Dismisses Builder D.R. Horton's Lawsuit against Homeowner Coalition
Judge David Wall granted a motion late Wednesday to dismiss a lawsuit filed by home builder D.R. Horton against Safe
Homes Nevada, a coalition of homeowners, based upon protections of the fair reporting privilege.
Men who testify --Slapped
RENO, Nev. (AP) - Two men who testified before the Nevada Legislature this year about construction
problems with their new homes have been sued by the builder and developer.
These lawsuits are an attempt to bully and intimidate citizens by subjecting them to
the expense and uncertainties of litigation. ... SLAPP Suits or Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation
are part of a growing phenomenon in which a powerful plaintiff -- developers, ...
www.communitylawyer.org/slapp.html
Homebuilder loses slander lawsuit
By CHRISTOPHER QUINN
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A lawsuit backfired on a Cherokee County homebuilder who sued a customer for complaining that work on his home was unfinished
and shoddy.
Builder Kathy Nicotra sued Don Akridge for slander and interfering with her business, but Akridge fought back, countersuing
Nicotra for breach of contract and warranty and negligent construction of his $485,000 home in the Lake Sovereign neighborhood.
A Cherokee County Superior Court jury sided with Akridge last month, finding that he did not slander Nicotra. The jury
awarded him $36,000 for his claims.
"The little guy can win," Akridge said of his three-year fight.
Congratulations Mr. Akridge, from all of us at HADD!
Why should we stop SLAPP Suits? Public participation is
essential to a representative ... SLAPPs are often brought by corporations, real estate developers,
or government officials ...
www.serconline.org/SLAPP/faq.html
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