Carlson v. Pima County

FELDMAN, Justice.

Lawrence W. Carlson, the plaintiff in a defamation suit against Pima County and its Sheriff, Clarence Dupnik, petitions this Court for review of a decision of the court of appeals, 141 Ariz. 517, 687 P.2d 1272 (App.1984), affirming a verdict directed in favor of defendants. We accepted review to examine and clarify the concept of “public records” and the public’s right of access thereto. We have jurisdiction under A.R.S. § 12-2101(B) and Rule 23, Rules of Civil Appellate Procedure, 17A A.R.S.

Facts

The facts are not in dispute. On March 19, 1981, Lawrence Carlson (plaintiff),…