Massachusetts law about anti-SLAPP

Laws, cases, web sources, and print sources on Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation (SLAPP).

If you are unable to find the information you are looking for, or if you have a specific question, please contact our law librarians for assistance.

Massachusetts law

60 days  File your motion

MGL c. 231, § 59H Strategic litigation against public participation (SLAPP)
Allows a defendant who believes he has been targeted because of the exercise of his right to petition to file a special motion to dismiss early in the process. Special motion to dismiss may be filed within sixty days of the service of the complaint or, in the court's discretion, at any later time upon terms it deems proper.

Federal law

42 USC §§ 14501 et seq. Volunteer protection act of 1997

Selected cases

Selected court cases on the topic of the anti-SLAPP law

Web sources

Duracraft all over again: The Supreme Judicial Court adopts a “Simplified anti-SLAPP Framework”, Boston Bar Association, August 2024.
 Article written about a Massachusetts SJC decision that clarifies and simplifies the Massachusetts anti-SLAPP law.

Massachusetts’s anti-SLAPP law, Reporters' Committee for Freedom of the Press.

Public Participation Project
A coalition which is working to pass anti-SLAPP legislation in Congress. Public Participation Project also assists individuals and organizations working to pass anti-SLAPP legislation at the state level and offers a summary of laws and cases for each state.

Print sources

Business torts in Massachusetts, 2^nd ed., MCLE, loose-leaf. 
Chapter 17, section 17.5.

LexisNexis practice guide: Massachusetts civil pretrial practice, LexisNexis, annual. (2024 eBook available with library card)
Chapter 6 Interlocutory relief: Anti-SLAPP and single justice practice.

Massachusetts tort law manual, 4^th ed., MCLE, 2024.
Chapter 7, section 7.2.7. 

Tort law, 3^rd ed., (Mass Practice v.37) Thomson/West, 2005 with supplement.
Section 6.6. 

"Of sexy phone calls and well-aimed golf balls: anti-SLAPP statutes in recent land-use damages litigation," 36 Urban lawyer 375 (2004).

Last updated:	March 11, 2025