I want to get the word out about the newest threat to land owners. It is called a SLAPP lawsuit. Basically if a city wants to pull eminent domain or build a development near existing homes the city, in order shut up any opposition, will turn a blind eye while the developer files SLAPP lawsuits against ANY citizen who speaks out either at the town counsel or in the letters to the editor against said development. A SLAPP lawsuit is designed expressly to bankrupt those who oppose the development. It is different than a slander or libel suit but uses similar premises for filing. SLAPP lawsuits put an effective chill on the first amendment as homeowners are now being intimidated by their own city counsels into silence. SLAPP lawsuits have been outlawed in many states but not Arizona. If your state still allows SLAPP lawsuits you must, to protect your property against being siezed by a developer or a city, contact your state, local, and federal government, and, as much as I hate to suggest it, the ACLU and any other organization that campaigns for land owner rights and get SLAPP lawsuits made illegal. For more information on SLAPP lawsuits and which states have outlawed them go to google.com and type in SLAPP lawsuits. That will answer anything I have left out. I know what I am talking about, I was threatened with one by my own city counsel. Thanks for getting the word out.
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