Protecting Anonymous Speech

A three-judge panel of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals heard oral argument on January 29, 2014 in CIR’s appeal of its motion to quash a subpoena issued by prominent attorney Susan Burke to the Wikimedia Foundation.  At issue is the question whether anonymous internet speech is protected by DC’s anti-SLAPP statute, which is designed to shield ordinary citizens who participate in public discussion from expensive lawsuits brought to stifle opposing points of view.