"Don't get SLAPP'd in the face!"

Join us for a vigorous discussion of Arizona's statutory protection of free speech and its implications for personal lines insurance coverage.

Defamation cases that are covered under a policy’s advertising injury or umbrella coverage present a unique issue when the statements are made to government officials for the purpose of affecting change.  If the statements are constitutionally protected and made to a government official or body, the statements will likely be immune from civil liability pursuant to what is known as an “Anti-SLAPP” statute – Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation. Arizona’s Anti-SLAPP Statute, ARS § 12-751 and 752 creates a unique judicial mechanism to force dismissal of such cases. The purpose of the presentation is to discuss coverage issues regarding the Anti-SLAPP lawsuits, the purpose behind the Anti-SLAPP statute, the specific requirements that must be met under the statute, and the manner in which to achieve early dismissal of the case.

CE/CLE requested