SLAPPs: the deliberate misuse of the legal system

Event Date(s): September 12, 2024 | Time: 10.45 Event Type: Hybrid (mix of both) Event Venue: UNISON (165 York St, Belfast, BT15 1GD) or online
This two-hour seminar is designed for human rights and equality activists in Northern Ireland. The hybrid event will focus on the deliberate misuse of the legal system to shut down public discourse.

SLAPPs stands for ‘strategic lawsuits against public participation’.

It is a form of legal action which (mis)uses defamation and privacy laws to prevent legitimate scrutiny of issues of public interest.

Following February’s well-attended ‘Scandalous and Vexatious’ seminar on defamation law for activists, The Equality Coalition and The PILS Project are now hosting a session on SLAPPs.

This two-hour seminar is designed for human rights and equality activists in Northern Ireland. The hybrid event will focus on the deliberate misuse of the legal system to shut down public discourse.

Speakers:
Jessica Ní Mhainín (Index on Censorship) will provide an overview of SLAPPs and Index’s ongoing Europe-wide campaign to curb the practice. She will also discuss how activists can support Index’s work and be supported in challenging SLAPPs.
We will also be joined by a panel of investigative journalists including Claire Simpson (Deputy Editor of The Detail) and Andy Martin (BBC NI Executive Editor) who will discuss how they manage reporting on public interest issues in practice.
Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions (either in-person or via the webinar’s chat feature).
Lunch will be served at the end of the session for in-person attendees.
Register now to secure your place.