Judges Given New Powers to Stop Sham Legal Claims Used by Oligarchs and Mega Rich

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk said a newly passed act will protect free speech and democracy as he vowed to fight back against abuses of Britain’s courts.
Judges Given New Powers to Stop Sham Legal Claims Used by Oligarchs and Mega Rich
Britain's Justice Secretary Alex Chalk addresses delegates at the annual Conservative Party Conference in Manchester, northern England, on Oct. 3, 2023. Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images
Patricia Devlin
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New laws will “strike a hammer blow” to oligarchs and the “mega rich” who attempt to use Britain’s courts to silence journalists and campaigners, the justice secretary has said.

Alex Chalk said the scourge of bogus legal cases—known as strategic lawsuits against public participation (Slapps)—will be tackled under the newly passed Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act.

Patricia Devlin
Patricia Devlin
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Patricia is an award winning journalist based in Ireland. She specializes in investigations and giving victims of crime, abuse, and corruption a voice.
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