Join
Middle Temple and the European Circuit for their seminar on strategic lawsuits against public participation, followed by a drinks reception in the Queen's Room.
When: 11 July, 2022. 17:00 -18:00
Where: Queens Room, Middle Temple Hall, Middle Temple Ln, London EC4Y 9AT and Zoom.
Registration: Register for a free in-person ticket
here or Zoom
here.
Dress code: Business Attire.
Click here to view further details about Dress Code
The concept of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) is increasingly relevant to those in practice. They arise principally in the form of actions for defamation, but the description can be applied to any lawsuit that has been brought for the purpose of deterring scrutiny or criticism rather than truly seeking relief.
The costs of defending SLAPPs can be ruinous. The threat of potential SLAPPs amount to a significant interference with fundamental rights & democratic values, in particular freedom of expression.
There is widespread recognition that a legislative response is needed. The European Commission has recently proposed a Directive that aims to equip both national courts & those targeted by SLAPPs to act against manifestly unfounded or abusive court proceedings, with legislative initiatives also proposed in England & Wales, Ireland & elsewhere.
This panel will consider not only the wider effects of both SLAPPs themselves & proposed anti-SLAPP legislation but also the implications for individual practitioners & the ethical obligation to abide by the “cab rank rule”, as well as the particular problem arising where the United Kingdom’s accession to the Lugano Convention has been blocked, preventing the UK courts in certain cases from declining jurisdiction based on clear reciprocal rules & thus creating an attractive forum for those seeking to initiate abusive proceedings.
Speakers
Dr Roya Sangi - Redeker
Nick Vineall QC - 4 Pump Court
Paul McGarry SC - Bar of Ireland
Greg Callus - 5RB
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