“SLAPPs: new forms of abuse of law” - virtual lecture organised by FIBGAR

Within the framework of the PATfox project, in-country partner for Spain FIBGAR delivered a virtual lecture titled SLAPPs: new forms of legal abuse, organized with the support of ELSA Barcelona UB.

ELSA is an international, independent, non-political, non-profit making organisation run by and for students and recent graduates, who are interested in achieving academic and personal excellence in addition to their legal or law-related studies at university.

ELSA aims at providing its members with a platform to develop their existing skills and acquire new ones, to interact with fellow students and experienced practitioners from different states and legal systems around Europe, and to be equipped for a professional life in an international environment, through mutual understanding, intercultural cooperation and the large variety of activities and projects the Association offers.

The seminar, therefore, aimed at raising awareness about the danger posed by SLAPPs among young legal professionals.

SLAPPs as an issue are still not routinely addressed at law school. However, it is vital to extend anti-SLAPP training to law students and young professionals in how to recognise SLAPPs, to ensure that future lawyers are better equipped to defend possible victims of SLAPPs as well as to promote high ethical standards among the next generation of legal professionals.

During the lecture, participants explored the meaning of the phenomenon of strategic lawsuits against public participation as well as reflected on the extent of these abuses of law and judiciary. Furthermore, participants engaged in a discussion about the consequences in terms of the rule of law, democracy and human rights.

The seminar took place on the 17th of May.