Politics and Government
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Politics and Government
by (remove) : Cleveland.com
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Ohio House passed bill would limit wealthy people's ability to file defamation, libel suits: Capitol Letter


Published on 2024-12-12 09:00:58 - Cleveland.com
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  • The bill would dilute the ability of well-heeled plaintiffs to file abusive defamation or libel lawsuits aimed to stifle legitimate criticism.

The Ohio House passed a bill that would limit the ability of wealthy individuals to file defamation and libel lawsuits, aiming to protect free speech by preventing the rich from using litigation to silence critics. This legislation, known as the "Ohio Anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) Act," seeks to curb what are often referred to as "nuisance lawsuits" that can drain the resources of those less financially capable of defending themselves. The bill includes provisions for early dismissal of such lawsuits, with the potential for defendants to recover legal fees if the case is deemed frivolous. Critics of the bill argue it might overly restrict legitimate claims, while supporters see it as a necessary measure to safeguard public discourse. The bill now moves to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.

Read the Full Cleveland.com Article at:
[ https://www.cleveland.com/open/2024/12/ohio-house-passed-bill-would-limit-wealthy-peoples-ability-to-file-defamation-libel-suits-capitol-letter.html ]
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