Join us for a lunch debate about the current state of Anti-SLAPP legislation and judgements on Tuesday, June 6. We’re thrilled that Eric Goldman from Santa Clara Law School has flown in for this special event. He’ll be joined by Yelp’s Director of Public Policy, Laurent Crenshaw. Details and RSVP info below.

Date:  Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Time:  12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Location:  Cannon House Office Building Room 234
Follow: @NetCaucusAC | #AntiSLAPP

It has become almost second nature for users to seek out reviews and criticism of companies, products, brands, and services online or to voice our displeasure if something falls short of promised standards. Online commentary has thus become a powerful force for enacting change or exposing malfeasance. But the anonymity of the Internet has also given rise to contentious questions of how to defend against such criticism.

Controversial Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP), lawsuits intended to censor, intimidate, and silence critics by raising the specter of a costly legal defenses until commentators abandon their criticism or opposition, have occurred with some regularity. As a result, multiple states have passed Anti-SLAPP legislation, aimed at protecting the rights of online critics. However, those too have proven controversial.

But does Anti-SLAPP legislation present undue barriers to the right to petition for those  who sincerely believe they have been wronged? Join our panel of experts as we discuss these and other questions and hear all sides of the story.

SPEAKERS

• Laurent Crenshaw – Director of Public Policy, Yelp (Bio)
• Eric Goldman – Internet Law, Advertising Law & IP Professor, Santa Clara Law (Bio)
• Paul Alan Levy – Attorney, Public Citizen Litigation Group (Bio)

MODERATOR

• Nancy Scola – Senior Technology Reporter, POLITICO Pro (Bio)

For Congressional Staff,  Walk-Ins are welcome
Box lunch will be served.