FIRM OBTAINS SUMMARY JUDGMENT UNDER INDIANA ANTI-SLAPP STATUTE
Peter Sewell prevailed on a motion for partial summary judgment filed on behalf of a non-profit organization and its representatives under the Indiana Anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) Act, IC. 34-7-7-1, et al. This ruling resulted in a dismissal of defamation claims against the non-profit and its representatives. The court found that the statements made by the non-profit and its representatives were lawful statements made in good faith with a reasonable basis in law and fact concerning a matter of public interest and in furtherance of the right to free speech. Under the statute, a defendant who prevails on such a dispositive motion is entitled to an award of attorney’s fees and expenses for defending the defamation claim. The Judge reserved ruling on the amount of attorney’s fees and litigation expenses to be awarded to the non-profit until the conclusion of the case.