anti-SLAPP law

noun

an·​ti-SLAPP law ˌan-tē-ˈslap- How to pronounce anti-SLAPP law (audio)
ˌan-tī-
plural anti-SLAPP laws
: a law intended to prevent SLAPP suits
Ken Paulson, who directs the Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee State University, said anti-SLAPP laws are like "free-speech insurance." "The key to an anti-SLAPP law is to prevent people with a lot of money and resources from intimidating people from saying anything negative about them," he said.Kim Bellware

Examples of anti-SLAPP law in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But in Friday’s motion, Lizzo’s lawyers argued that the anti-SLAPP law could also apply to the current case because of the creative nature of the work in question. Bill Donahue, Billboard, 27 Oct. 2023 Both Schuman and Ruth have attempted to stop his counterclaims under the state’s anti-SLAPP laws but a judge rejected their requests. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 30 Aug. 2023 Winslow filed a motion to dismiss the case under California’s anti-SLAPP law. Jeffrey Fleishman, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'anti-SLAPP law.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1991, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anti-SLAPP law was in 1991

Dictionary Entries Near anti-SLAPP law

Cite this Entry

“Anti-SLAPP law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anti-SLAPP%20law. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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