Wilson v. Parker, Covert & Chidester

Opinion

WERDEGAR, J.

One of the elements of an action for malicious prosecution is the absence of probable cause for bringing the prior action. (Sheldon *815Appel Co. v. Albert & Oliker (1989) 47 Cal.3d 863, 874 [254 Cal.Rptr. 336, 765 P.2d 498].) The question presented here is whether the trial court’s denial, in the prior action, of a special motion to strike under California’s anti-SLAPP (strategic lawsuit against public participation) statute (Code Civ. Proc., § 425.16) establishes that probable cause did exist for bringing the action, precluding maintenance of the malicious prosecution suit…