Maine

Grade: D

Maine has a weak anti-SLAPP law. It was enacted in 1995.

Jurisdiction Statute or Case Law? Any Forum? Any Public Issue? Mandatory Attorney Fees/Costs? Additional Burden? Amendment After Grant? Amendment While Pending? Immediate Appeal?
Maine Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14 section 556 (2011) Y Y ? ? Y
 

ME. REV. STAT. ANN. tit. 14 § 556 (1995)

Statements made before a government body or proceeding; or in connection with an issue under review by a government body; or reasonably likely to encourage review by government; or reasonably likely to enlist public participation to effect consideration; or any other statement within constitutional right of petition, are protected.

Maine SLAPP Stories:

Featured
Doctor claims defamation by Portland, Bangor newspapers
Doctor claims defamation by Portland, Bangor newspapers

A Rhode Island podiatrist claimed that Maine’s two largest newspapers wrongly accused him of malpractice, and brought a libel suit saying the articles resulted in a loss of employment and future earnings estimated to exceed $3.4 million.

Judge seeks review of anti-SLAPP law
Judge seeks review of anti-SLAPP law

Following a lawsuit filed in Washington County Superior Court by national activist Ralph Nader, a judge in Maine said the state’s anti-SLAPP law needs further review by the Maine Supreme Judicial Court.

Blogger who criticized Maine tourism office faces lawsuit
Blogger who criticized Maine tourism office faces lawsuit

A coastal Maine blogger who criticized the state's tourism office was hit with a lawsuit seeking potentially more than $1 million in damages for allegedly making false statements and posting on his website, Maine Web Report, images from proposed tourism advertisements a New York agency prepared for Maine officials.