First Amendment and Anti-SLAPP Legal Resources

The rights to petition the government and to freedom of speech is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and California’s anti-SLAPP law was enacted to further protect those rights. Some states have passed similar laws, but residents of almost half the states are still vulnerable to meritless suits for defamation, slander, libel, abuse of process, malicious prosecution, etc.

The links below provide background on the California law and the court opinions that have invoked the statute, as well as examples of related federal caselaw and other useful links.

If you are interested in the status of federal anti-SLAPP legislation, anti-SLAPP laws in other states, or bills being considered around the country, please visit the Public Participation Project.

California Law

Information on California state statutes and legislative history.

Directories of SLAPP cases decided in the California Courts of Appeal, California Supreme Court, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and U.S. District Courts in California.

Note:  Pursuant to California law, you, or your attorneys, are required to notify the Judicial Council when an anti-SLAPP motion has been filed and at certain other times.

Federal Law

Information on the Communications Decency Act (CDA 230), U.S. Code 47 section 230, that grants interactive online services of all types, including news websites, blogs, forums, and listservs, broad immunity from certain types of legal liability stemming from content created by others.

Directory of selected opinions decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Links to other resources

Useful links to other resources, including California court information, federal legislative information, and other organizations working to protect First Amendment rights.

The information on this website is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. The information here is meant to provide general information to the public. We would be happy to consider your specific situation and the possibility of providing legal advice or assistance if you contact us directly.