Kibler v. Northern Inyo County Local Hospital District

Opinion

KENNARD, J.

Code of Civil Procedure section 425.16 sets out a procedure for striking complaints in harassing lawsuits that are commonly known as SLAPP suits (strategic lawsuits against public participation), which are brought to challenge the exercise of constitutionally protected free speech rights. Is this procedure available in a lawsuit brought by a hospital staff physician and arising out of a disciplinary recommendation by the hospital’s peer review committee? We conclude that it is, and therefore affirm the Court of Appeal.

I

Beginning in 1979, Northern Inyo Hospital, an acute-care…