AntiSLAPP

Utah Judge Tosses Lawsuit Against Local Paper, Cites New Anti-SLAPP Law in Defamation Case Dismissal

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FILLMORE, Utah — A local judge recently dismissed a defamation lawsuit against the Millard County Chronicle Progress, concluding that the plaintiff, Wayne Aston, failed to adequately substantiate his allegations. Aston had claimed that the newspaper’s coverage of his business proposal in Fillmore was inaccurate and slanderous. However, during a hearing on September 4, the defense successfully argued that a newly enacted Utah law aimed at protecting freedom of expression justified the suit’s dismissal before trial. The legislation, passed in 2023, serves to eliminate unsubstantiated defamation claims early in the legal process, sparing the defendants costly … Read more

Maine’s Anti-SLAPP Law Provides Protection Against Frivolous Lawsuits

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Augusta, Maine – Maine has enacted legislation to combat SLAPP lawsuits, providing protection for individuals and organizations against meritless legal action aimed at suppressing free speech. The state’s anti-SLAPP law is designed to safeguard citizens from lawsuits that attempt to silence public criticisms and opinions. SLAPP, or Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation, are often used as a tactic by powerful or wealthy entities to intimidate or silence individuals who express their opinions on matters of public concern. These lawsuits not only pose a threat to free speech but also drain valuable time, resources, and energy … Read more