One of the worst aspects of the U.S. legal system is the SLAPP, which stands for "strategic lawsuit against public participation."
These are frivolous suits meant to silence opponents, debate, or dissent. SLAPPs come in many forms - claims for defamation, invasion of privacy, nuisance. But winning the case isn't really their goal. The point is to put the defendants through expensive and painful defenses. Even when these cases fail in court, as most do, the plaintiffs keep the heat on and the falsely accused are left with expensive legal bills.
Thankfully, a quiet revolution to crack down on SLAPPs is taking place in state legislatures. This month, Iowa's legislature passed a new law allowing courts to more rapidly dismiss SLAPP suits within 60 days of being filed. At least 37 states - including some blue states like California and Oregon - have put anti-SLAPP laws on the books, almost all in the last five years.
We know that bipartisan efforts are rare and far between these days, but this appears to be one where the only losers are bullies and trial lawyers - who (sadly) are too often the same people.
