What OP was describing sounds like anti-SLAPP legislation, which many states have adopted. Essentially if you file a frivolous slander/libel suit with the sole

What OP was describing sounds like anti-SLAPP legislation, which many states have adopted. Essentially if you file a frivolous slander/libel suit with the sole intention of harassing the target, then the other party can file a countersuit, in which the judge can throw out the case and award damages to the defending party (triple damages in CA!). It's both restitution for time and reputation lost, as well as a deterrent against targeted legal harassment.