TL/DR –
The Arizona Supreme Court has momentarily halted the defamation lawsuit filed by Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer against Kari Lake, a fellow Republican. Richer accused Lake of making false statements about him during her campaign for governor in 2022, which he claims led to violent threats and security concerns for his family. Lake, who is now running for the U.S. Senate, has asked for the case to be dismissed and this request is currently under review by the Supreme Court.
Arizona Supreme Court Halts Defamation Case between Richer and Lake
The defamation lawsuit filed by Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer against fellow Republican Kari Lake has been temporarily halted by the Arizona Supreme Court. Richer lodged the suit last summer, alleging that Lake’s false accusations about his role in the 2022 election led to threats and security issues for his family.
After losing her gubernatorial bid in 2022, Lake, now a U.S. Senate aspirant, requested a dismissal of the case. However, Judge Jay Adelman denied this motion, concluding that Lake’s legal team could not substantiate that the lawsuit was filed in bad faith.
Despite Lake’s appeal, an Arizona Appeals Court panel refrained from considering her request. Lake then petitioned the Supreme Court for case dismissal this Monday.
The Supreme Court is yet to announce whether it will entertain Lake’s dismissal request. However, it put a momentary hold on the case to give Richer’s lawyer time to formulate a response to Lake’s petition. This response is expected by February 6.
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