frivolous litigation
Meritless legal claims
Frivolous litigation refers to lawsuits filed without legal merit—brought to harass, delay, or burden an opponent rather than to seek legitimate relief.
Courts may dismiss such cases and sanction the attorneys who file them.
The term appears frequently in debates about tort reform: Critics blame frivolous litigation for driving up insurance costs.
- obstructionismDeliberate impeding of progress
- harassmentAggressive, unwanted targeting
- retaliationPunitive response to injury
- chilling effectDiscouragement through intimidation
- reputational harmDamage to standing
financial burden · deep pockets · emotional distress · malice · opportunism · ambulance chaser · judicial discretion · extortion · greed · attention-seeking · revenge · manipulation · sanctions
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