Middle Temple & European Circuit | Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation

Middle Temple & European Circuit | Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs)

In collaboration with the European Circuit

Speakers
Dr Roya Sangi, Redeker
Nick Vineall QC, 4 Pump Court
Paul McGarry SC, Bar of Ireland
Greg Callus, 5RB

Register for a free in-person ticket here.

This is a hybrid event. Register for Zoom here.

Join us on Monday 11 July for a seminar focusing on strategic lawsuits against public participation, followed by a drinks reception in the Queen's Room.

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. Our 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.

This event is open to Benchers, Hall Members and Students. No guests. 

Non-Members are also welcome.

If you have any dietary requirements please ensure that you provide this information when you book tickets.  If you did not do so, please inform the Inn no later than 14:00 two working days before the event.  When seated in Hall please make a member of staff aware of these requirements so that they can serve you accordingly.  

Non-alcoholic alternatives will be provided on request.

Click here for more details on dietary requirements.

Please note that this event is NOT a Qualifying Session.

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