7:7 Malice

• Jurisdiction: Arizona

§ 7:7 Malice

Malice generally refers to some improper motive for bringing the lawsuit.^[332] However, the existence of malice is irrelevant if there is probable cause for the lawsuit.^[333] The reverse is not true. A lack of probable cause may be highly probative evidence of malice.^[334]

-----Note-----

^[332] McClinton v. Rice, 76 Ariz. 358, 366-67, 265 P.2d 425, 433-34 (1953).

^[333] Smith v. Lucia, 842 P.2d 1303, 173 Ariz. 290, 297 (App. 1992).

^[334] Id.

----------