Maryland

Grade: D

Maryland has a weak anti-SLAPP law. It was enacted in 2004.

Jurisdiction Statute or Case Law? Any Forum? Any Public Issue? Mandatory Attorney Fees/Costs? Additional Burden? Amendment After Grant? Amendment While Pending? Immediate Appeal?
Maryland Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. 5-807 (2011) Y Y Y ? Y ?
 

MD. CODE ANN. CTS. & JUD. PROC. § 5-807 (2004)

Communications with a government body or public regarding any matter within the authority of a government body, if made without constitutional malice, are protected.

Maryland SLAPP Stories:

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Officials sue developer for defamation in "Muslim" housing case
Officials sue developer for defamation in "Muslim" housing case

Top officials sued the builder of a housing development, alleging he defamed them by accusing them of anti-Muslim discrimination.

"Right To Yelp" Bill Is Gaining Fans In Maryland Legislature
"Right To Yelp" Bill Is Gaining Fans In Maryland Legislature

WAMU covered the push for Maryland’s “Right to Yelp” bill. Maryland would have been the second state behind California to provide such protection to reviewers under the state anti-SLAPP law.

Local Blogger Sued by Wicomico Jail Warden
Local Blogger Sued by Wicomico Jail Warden

A local blogger faced a lawsuit filed by Wicomico County Department of Corrections Director Douglas C. Devenyns.

Internet Newspaper Sued for Anonymous Comments

In Maryland in 2006, a real estate developer brought a defamation lawsuit against an internet newspaper company, Independent Newspapers, Inc. (INI), and three John Doe defendants in state court. The lawsuit arose from statements criticizing the developer for selling his historic home to another developer and accusing him of maintaining a dirty Dunkin’ Donuts establishment.