Opinion ID: 2375795
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: was the court of appeals correct in reversing the judgment against highfield?

Text: Attorney Highfield, it will be remembered, signed the complaint and amended complaint without reading them. He literally knew nothing about the allegations therein, the parties therein, the factual background or the law. The evidence shows that he was a long-time friend, associate of attorney Raine and has space in Raine's office. Undoubtedly, he signed the documents as a convenience and as a favor to Raine. Even though Highfield signed the pleadings in violation of CR 11, we agree with the Court of Appeals that such action does not constitute malice. At worst it was a breach of ethics, and at least, it was poor judgment on his part. The only evidence, relative to probable cause and malice against Highfield, is his signing the amended complaint. He was given a plausible reason why Raine did not want to sign the complaint, and based on years of fellowship and association, he signed it. We agree with the Court of Appeals that this is not sufficient evidence, as a matter of law, for a jury to find the necessary malice upon which to base a malicious prosecution action.