Human rights implications of Strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) examined
1 November 2022
The Joint Committee on Human Rights holds a one-off session on SLAPPs, taking evidence from writer Oliver Bullough; Consultant Partner at Wiggin LLP, Caroline Kean; Barrister at Matrix Chambers, Sara Mansoori KC; and Nik Williams from Index on Censorship.
- Watch Parliament TV: SLAPPs: Human Rights Implications
- Inquiry: SLAPPs: Human Rights Implications
- Joint Committee on Human Rights
Witnesses
Wednesday 2 November 2022
At 3.00pm
- Caroline Kean – Consultant Partner, Wiggin LLP
- Sara Mansoori KC – Barrister, Matrix Chambers
- Nik Williams – Policy and Campaigns Officer, Index on Censorship
- Oliver Bullough – Writer
Strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) are considered to be deliberately vexatious cases brought by individuals or corporations to prevent the publication of information that would be in the public interest. They typically involve expensive and time-consuming litigation, or the threat of it, which is intended to intimidate defendants into silence.
The session will examine how SLAPPs have been used and their implication for human rights, including the right to freedom of expression and the right to privacy. The Committee will also examine the Government’s planned reforms to tackle SLAPPs.
Further information
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