In 1992, in response to the "disturbing increase" in meritless lawsuits brought "to chill the valid exercise of the constitutional rights of freedom of speech and petition for the redress of grievances," the California legislature enacted Code of Civil Procedure §425.16, the California anti-SLAPP statute. It applies to any cause of action arising from an "act in furtherance of a person's right of petition or free speech under the United States or California Constitution in connection with a public issue." The statute was designed to permit the prompt dismissal of a SLAPP lawsuit prior to discovery unless the plaintiff can meet the stringent criteria set forth in the statute.