Anti-SLAPP Statute

An anti-SLAPP statute is a state law that lets a defendant seek early dismissal of a suit aimed at speech on a public issue, often with fee-shifting against the plaintiff.

Anti-SLAPP statutes differ by state in what they cover and how they handle fees. A defendant who wins early dismissal often recovers legal costs, and that recovery becomes part of the public record. Plaintiffs weighing a speech-related suit should check the statute where it would be filed.