Activists also risk being subjected to SLAPP suits. Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation (SLAPP) are legal suits taken against activists which are designed to intimidate the individuals involved, but also intimidate the campaign and the movement more broadly. It is an attempt by corporations to use the law as a weapon to enforce silence onto their critics. The suit launched by Tasmanian Forestry Giant Gunns Ltd against 20 (initial) defendants took years to resolve and even though Gunns ultimately lost the case, the proceeding nonetheless managed to tie many activists up in the court system for years and had a stifling effect on the movement.

For further information see Legal threats silencing activists

For information on the Gunns 20 case see The Gunns 20 case study.