This paper on SLAPPs is written for non-lawyers by a non-lawyer. It is an attempt to familiarize the interested layperson with the nature of SLAPPs, defenses against them, and ways to prevent them. Special attention is given to provisions that may be effective in state legislation designed to protect the rights of citizens who participate in a public debate.| Democracy Theme Park
It will be easy peasy. Let’s eavesdrop on a typical case. So you got a new car? Great, it’s time to sign up for your car care insurance plan. Come on in. First, there are three general types of plans, roughly based on how much they cost. The Earth plan is the cheapest, next there’s … Don’t Miss Enrollment Deadline for Car Care Insurance Read More » The post Don’t Miss Enrollment Deadline for Car Care Insurance first appeared on Democracy Theme Park.| Democracy Theme Park
Congratulations on being sued for your activism. You should be gratified, but instead are probably freaked out. Millions of activists and public officials struggle for the public good for decades without being sued for their work. That’s because the power brokers they are ticking off can handle them with the usual routine tactics. If you … SLAPP, Crackle Pop — Help, They’re Suing Us! Read More » The post SLAPP, Crackle Pop — Help, They’re Suing Us! first appeared on Democracy The...| Democracy Theme Park
Joseph Brecher, “The Public Interest and Intimidation Suits: A New Approach,” 28 Santa Clara L. Rev. 105 (1988) Penelope Canan, “The SLAPP from a Sociological Perspective,” 1989 Pace Environmental Law Review Penelope Canan and George W. Pring, “Strategic Lawsuits Against Political Participation,” 1988 Social Problems Roni A. Elias, “Anti-SLAPP Laws in Diversity Cases,” Vol. 4, … SLAPPs – Further Reading Read More » The post SLAPPs – Further Reading first appeared on Dem...| Democracy Theme Park
(The following is from my 1994 book, Not In My Back Yard: The Handbook (Silvercat Publications). It’s dated but still accurate. The references are no longer current.) Watch Out for SLAPPs SLAPP, a term coined in 1988, refers to a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation. A Wall St. Journal article, referencing consumer advocate Ralph Nader, … SLAPPs Article from NIMBY (1994) Read More » The post SLAPPs Article from NIMBY (1994) first appeared on Democracy Theme Park.| Democracy Theme Park
If $3.5 million can be raised in a matter of days to do a statewide (Wisconsin) recount, why couldn’t we have used it to launch a nationwide campaign for something like any of the three issues I suggested in a post-election blog? They were: a map for getting out of NAFTA and other “free trade” … About that $3.5 Million Recount Money… Read More » The post About that $3.5 Million Recount Money… first appeared on Democracy Theme Park.| Democracy Theme Park
Three Positives that the Democratish should follow up on. Nix the so-called “free trade” agreements. Push Single-Payer health care. Revise the voting system. Later I’ll get to what everybody’s enjoying whining about. First the positives, if you can stand it. NAFTA, GATT, CAFTA, TPAA & Their Kin Trump has railed against these trade agreements, and … Election Good News for Libs? Best Trump Analysis Starts Here Read More » The post Election Good News for Libs? Best Trump Analysis Star...| Democracy Theme Park
A primer for citizens who want to engage in strategy-based activism aimed at undoing decades of work by the anti-democracy movement.| Democracy Theme Park
Do you think you can understand butterflies perfectly well without knowing caterpillars? Corporate political contributions had a caterpillar stage; I’m guessing you won’t even recognize it. Here’s a snippet: No corporation doing business in this state, shall pay or contribute, or offer, consent or agree to pay or contribute, directly or indirectly, any money, property, … Corporate Campaign Cash at the Caterpillar Stage (Not fuzzy at all) Read More » The post Corporate Campaign Cash a...| Democracy Theme Park
Would you like to neutralize corporations’ ability to get so many GOOD laws declared unconstitutional? There’s an “app” for that—-an approach, that is.| Democracy Theme Park