Kari Lake Defamation Case: Arizona Supreme Court Lifts Stay

TL/DR –

The Arizona Supreme Court has lifted a temporary stay in a defamation lawsuit against former gubernatorial and current U.S. Senate candidate Kari Lake. The lawsuit was filed by Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer, who accused Lake and her affiliates of spreading false information about him following the November 2022 election. Lake’s appeal challenging the county judge’s decision to allow the suit to proceed was rejected, meaning the lawsuit will continue to discovery.

Defamation Lawsuit Against Kari Lake to Proceed

The defamation lawsuit against Kari Lake, former gubernatorial and current U.S. Senate candidate, will continue, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday, lifting a temporary stay.

This decision rejects Lake’s appeal against a ruling by Maricopa County Judge Jay Adleman to proceed with the lawsuit. Despite an unsuccessful special action petition from Lake, the case will now move to discovery.

Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer filed the lawsuit in June, accusing Lake and her associates of spreading false information about him after the 2022 election. Lake denies these accusations.

Richer welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision, stating “We’re one step closer to getting relief.” He maintains that the false claims have had damaging consequences. However, Lake believes the lawsuit is an attempt to silence her and her criticism of election integrity.

Implications for Arizona’s Anti-SLAPP Law

Lake’s team filed two motions to dismiss the case, one under Arizona’s anti-SLAPP law, designed to protect free speech rights. They argued Richer’s lawsuit was an attempt to suppress Lake’s free speech.

Richer’s legal team argued the defamation lawsuit was clear-cut and that the anti-SLAPP law was not applicable. Adleman agreed, stating that there was no evidence to suggest misuse of the defamation lawsuit.

What’s Next?

The legal teams will set a schedule for the case in the coming weeks, then move into discovery. With both Richer and Lake running for elected positions, it’s likely the trial could take place during a contentious election year, or in 2025.