Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs)

Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (commonly referred to as SLAPPs) have been widely recognised as a growing threat to freedom of expression and particularly, but not only, to civil society actors such as journalists, academics, environmental defenders, and authors.

SLAPPs are lawsuits or threats of legal action that engage abusive litigation tactics in proceedings which concern public participation on matters of public interest. Abusive litigation tactics take many forms, including making exaggerated or unfounded claims for damages, amending or withdrawing claims or pleadings, exploiting appeals procedures, or initiating multiple proceedings (sometimes in multiple jurisdictions).

This consultation will enable the Scottish Government to draw on the views and experience of stakeholders so that they can form a view on the best way forward for Scotland.