ANTI-SLAPP TEST 

IN EASTERN OHIO, THE STATE WILL FACE THE FIRST TEST OF THE STATE'S NEW SLAPP LAW. 
ON APRIL 9TH, THE STATE OF OHIO BECAME THE 35TH STATE IN THE UNION TO ENACT AN ANTI-SLAPP LAW. SLAPP STANDS FOR STRATEGIC LAWSUITS AGAINST PUBLIC PARTICIPATION. THE LEGISLATION WAS ENACTED TO PREVENT THE SILENCING OF CRITICS ON MATTERS OF PUBLIC CONCERN BY BURDENING THEM WITH COSTLY LITIGATION. IN CAMBRIDGE, EAST OF ZANESVILLE, THE MARIETTA TIMES REPORTS THAT A PROMINENT BUSINESSMAN FILED SUIT AGAINST HIS EX-WIFE SAYING HER PUBLIC STATEMENTS AND ACCUSATIONS WERE DEFAMATORY. NOW, SHE WANTS TO INVOKE THE ANTI-SLAPP LAW TO HAVE THE CASE DISMISSED, BASED ON FREEDOM OF SPEECH. IT'S NOW UP TO A JUDGE TO DECIDE.