What's an "anti-SLAPP motion"?

Answer 1

In some states, such as California, there is a procedure where people who are being sued can get out of a suit quickly (and recover fees) by showing that 1) they are being sued for exercising a right such as free speech, or freedom to petition the government, and 2) they are likely to win the trial. That procedure is called an "anti-SLAPP motion" -- its a special motion to dismiss the case.

SLAPP stands for "Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation" -- and it refers to the type of lawsuit often filed by large companies against those protesting against something the company is doing, in order to make the protest expensive. An anti-SLAPP statute is desgined to prevent the civil legal system from being used to prevent public participation in issues of public importance.

Answer 2

"SLAPP" suits are suits by potential defendants against potential Plaintiffs to pre-empt the filing of a suit. Never heard of an "anti-SLAPP motion," but I'm always willing to learn.

Edit: Okay I looked it up. TRy this source:
http://www.thefirstamendment.org/antislappresourcecenter.html

Answer 3

The California Anti-SLAPP Project (CASP) is a public interest law firm and policy organization dedicated to protecting the rights of Californians to participate in government and civic affairs and to speak freely about public issues.

http://www.casp.net/