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In ordinary words.
A well-funded plaintiff may bring a costly civil case that critics fear is intended to silence public discussion.
In legal terms.
Filing a colorable civil claim is generally lawful, but courts and state anti-SLAPP laws can deter or dismiss claims targeting protected speech.
Where it stops being legal.
Frivolous filings, sanctions rules and abusive litigation conduct impose legal limits.
Legal authority / Start reading
State anti-SLAPP statutes; Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11
Open cited reference ↗General U.S.-focused information. Cases and statutes may have jurisdiction-specific exceptions. This citation may be a general primer; verify the governing primary authority. Not legal advice.