Opinion ID: 1187815
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: plaintiffs have failed to adequately allege a defamation claim

Text: In their brief, appellants raise for the first time a defamation claim against Governor Evans and Peterson. We hold that they are precluded from doing so. No such claim was ever pled by the appellants, and no such claim was ever argued before or decided by the district court. It has been the rule in Idaho that issues considered on summary judgment are those raised by the pleadings. Argyle v. Slemaker, 107 Idaho 668, 669, 691 P.2d 1283, 1284 (Ct.App.1984); see also First Security Bank of Idaho, N.A. v. Absco Warehouse, Inc., 104 Idaho 853, 855, 664 P.2d 281, 283 (Ct.App.1983). The facts of this case show that the issue of defamation has in no way been raised by the pleadings; there is nothing within the pleadings which can fairly be viewed as adequately giving notice of the claim. We accordingly decline to rule on this claim at this late date. For the foregoing reasons, we affirm the district court. Costs to respondents; no attorney's fees. DONALDSON, C.J., BAKES and HUNTLEY, JJ., and McFADDEN, J. pro tem, concur.