General Laws c. 231, § 59H, popularly known as the “anti-SLAPP” law. This law allows Courts to dismiss suits characterized as SLAPP suits that the Supreme Judicial Court has stated may consist of a (1) a civil complaint or counterclaim (for monetary damages or injunction); (2) filed against nongovernmental individuals or groups; (3) because of their communications to a government body, official, or the electorate; and (4) on an issue of some public interest or concern. The acronym “SLAPP” comes from term “Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation.”
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About Owen Gallagher
Owen Gallagher is an experienced insurance litigator as well as a certified mediator and arbitrator who specializes in insurance industry disputes. His interest and affinity for insurance began at a young age working the counter at his father’s assigned risk agency in Roxbury. Over the course of his career, Owen has argued a number of cases in the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and has helped agents, insurance companies, and lawmakers alike with the complexities and idiosyncrasies of insurance law in the Commonwealth. Owen can be reached here.