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STRATEGIC LAWSUITS AGAINST PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (SLAPPS)

Strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) that are brought for the
purpose of deterring scrutiny or criticism rather than truly seeking relief are
increasingly relevant to those in practice. The costs of defending SLAPPs can be
ruinous, such that the threat of potential SLAPPs can be a significant
interference with fundamental rights & democratic values, in particular freedom
of expression. There is widespread recognition that a legislative response is
needed. The European Commission has recently proposed a Directive that aims
to equip both national courts & those targeted by SLAPPs to take action against
manifestly unfounded or abusive court proceedings, with legislative initiatives
also proposed in England & Wales, Ireland & elsewhere. Our panel will consider:
the wider effects of both SLAPPs themselves & proposed anti-SLAPP legislation;
the implications for individual practitioners & the ethical obligation to abide by
the “cab rank rule”; and the particular problem arising from the blocking of the
UK’s accession to the Lugano Convention, creating an attractive forum for
those seeking to initiate abusive proceedings.

Speakers: Nick Vineall QC, 4 Pump Court; Dr Roya Sangi, Redeker;
Paul McGarry SC, Bar of Ireland, Greg Callus, 5RB

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION www.europeancircuit.com/events/

Jul 11, 2022 05:00 PM in London