UK judges to be given powers to dismiss oppressive Slapps lawsuits at early stage

Amendments to bill address concerns that strategic lawsuits against public participation stifle free speech

Oppressive lawsuits brought by wealthy individuals to evade scrutiny and intimidate critics are to be defined in English and Welsh law for the first time, as judges are handed powers to dismiss “Slapps” at an early stage.

Amendments added to the economic crime and corporate transparency bill will bring a swift end to the vast majority of Slapps (strategic lawsuits against public participation), ministers claim.