The UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers and the American Bar Association Center for Human Rights (ABA CHR) co-hosted a webinar on the role of justice actors in combating SLAPPs on November 1, 9:00 AM EST.
In her report, presented to the United Nations General Assembly on October 28, 2024, Professor Margaret Satterthwaite, the Special Rapporteur, examines improper economic influence on judicial systems, including through strategic litigation against public participation (SLAPPs). SLAPPs see corporations and wealthy individuals deploying their financial clout in attempts to weaponize justice systems.
SLAPPs represent a manipulation of the proper role of justice systems, and that of judges, prosecutors and lawyers. However, some justice actors are fighting back against SLAPPs. Judges have created or adapted procedures to dispose of SLAPPs swiftly. Prosecutors can screen cases to ensure criminal SLAPPs are not pursued. Lawyers can provide free legal assistance to SLAPP targets and advise their clients against pursuing cases that constitute SLAPPs. And, bar associations can develop ethical guidelines for their members on their duties when clients seek to pursue cases constituting a SLAPP.
The webinar brought together leading judicial and legal experts on SLAPPs. Professor Satterthwaite shared highlights from her report, and panelists shared their views on the role of justice actors in combating SLAPPs, including in jurisdictions where formal anti-SLAPP legislation is currently not in force. The panel, moderated by Ginna Anderson - associate director of ABA CHR, also included the Honorable Judge Fernando Enrique de Oliveira Biolcati of the Court of Justice of São Paulo, Charlie Holt of the Coalition Against SLAPPs in Europe, and Zamira Djabarova, Senior Legal Advisor for Labor Rights and Corporate Accountability at ABA CHR.
The webinar as recorded can be viewed below.