Michael Berry, a partner with Ballard Spahr LLP in Philadelphia, has written an op-ed explaining how the new anti-SLAPP law, Act 72 of 2024, will further protect First Amendment freedoms in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association has been part of a core coalition including Americans for Prosperity – Pennsylvania and ACLU Pennsylvania that has actively advocated for this law for more than a decade. Following is an excerpt from Mr. Berry’s column:
For many years, powerful public figures have sought to use lawsuits as a weapon to squelch speech on important public issues. They do so by filing baseless complaints against their critics, recognizing that the cost of defense can be crippling and the threat of a large verdict can deter others from speaking out. These SLAPP suits – strategic lawsuits against public participation – chill citizens from exercising their First Amendment freedoms and stifle public debate.
In July, Pennsylvania enacted a law that seeks to put an end to SLAPP suits. Act 72 builds on the experience of the more than 30 states that already have anti-SLAPP laws, while also accounting for unique features of Pennsylvania’s legal practice.
PNA urges you to run this op-ed by Mr. Berry, who was instrumental in the drafting of the law, in your print and digital publications.
Please visit speakfreepa.org for background information on SLAPP suits.
PNA thanks you in advance for sharing critical information with the public about a law that provides long-sought First Amendment protections for journalists – and all Pennsylvanians – across the commonwealth.
Download the Anti-SLAPP op-ed. Download a photo of Michael Berry.