This section defines several terms used in the chapter, including communication, association, free speech, petition, legal action, matter of public concern, and party.
As used in this chapter: “Communication” means the making or submitting of a statement or document in any form or medium, including oral, written, audiovisual, or electronic; “Exercise of the right of association” means exercise of the constitutional right to join together to take collective action on a matter of public concern that falls within the protection of the United States Constitution or the Tennessee Constitution; “Exercise of the right of free speech” means a communication made in connection with a matter of public concern or religious expression that falls within the protection of the United States Constitution or the Tennessee Constitution; “Exercise of the right to petition” means a communication that falls within the protection of the United States Constitution or the Tennessee Constitution and: Is intended to encourage consideration or review of an issue by a federal, state, or local legislative, executive, judicial, or other governmental body; or Is intended to enlist public participation in an effort to effect consideration of an issue by a federal, state, or local legislative, executive, judicial, or other governmental body; “Legal action” means a claim, cause of action, petition, cross-claim, or counterclaim or any request for legal or equitable relief initiated against a private party; “Matter of public concern” includes an issue related to: Health or safety; Environmental, economic, or community well-being; The government; A public official or public figure; A good, product, or service in the marketplace; A literary, musical, artistic, political, theatrical, or audiovisual work; or Any other matter deemed by a court to involve a matter of public concern; and “Party” does not include a governmental entity, agency, or employee.