Arkansas
Grade: C
Arkansas has an adequate anti-SLAPP law. It was enacted in 2005.
| Jurisdiction | Statute or Case Law? | Any Forum? | Any Public Issue? | Mandatory Attorney Fees/Costs? | Additional Burden? | Amendment After Grant? | Amendment While Pending? | Immediate Appeal? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | Ark. Code. Ann. 16-63-501-8 (2010) | Y | Y | Y | ? | ? | ? |
ARK. CODE ANN. §§16-63-501 – 16-63-508 (2005)
Acts in furtherance of the right of free speech, or petition in connection with an issue of public concern, including statements or petitions before an official proceeding, or in connection with issue under consideration by government body, are protected.
The Arkansas code also protects “privileged communications,” which include any communication in, to, or about an issue of public concern related to any legislative, executive, or judicial proceeding, or other proceeding authorized by a state, regional, county, or municipal government if made without knowledge or reckless disregard of falsity.
Arkansas also provides for a SLAPPBack under ARK. CODE ANN. §§16-63-506. In addition to sanctions and fees, a defendant may recover compensatory damages incurred in defending against a SLAPP upon a showing that the SLAPP was commenced or continued for the purpose of harassing, intimidating, punishing or maliciously inhibiting a person or entity from making a privileged communication or performing an act in furtherance of the right of free speech or petition.
Arkansas SLAPP Stories
