1A Docket First Amendment · Utah
Utah Supreme Court · 2025 UT 37, 575 P.3d 1162

Mackey v. Krause

Granted in part UPEPA
Forum
Utah Supreme Court
Case number
2025 UT 37, 575 P.3d 1162
Motion decided
Aug 28, 2025
Outcome
Granted in part
Conduct at issue
Statements during the public comment period of a school board meeting
Underlying claims
Defamation, tortious interference, intentional infliction of emotional distress, abuse of process

Docket · filings

Feb 9, 2024 MovantMotion for expedited relief PDF
Feb 23, 2024 RespondentMotion for extension of time to respond PDF
May 2, 2024 RespondentReply in opposition PDF
May 11, 2024 MovantReply in support PDF
May 14, 2024 RespondentReply in opposition PDF
Jul 5, 2024 CourtDistrict court ruling PDF
Aug 28, 2025 Utah Supreme CourtOpinion PDF

What the court held

  • Utah's first appellate interpretation of UPEPA.
  • Matter of public concern construed broadly enough to reach criticism alleging that a person harmed others.
  • Statements made during public comment can fall within the act even where the topic was not being deliberated.
  • The prima facie determination is reviewed for correctness, with facts and reasonable inferences viewed most favorably to the nonmovant.
  • IIED and abuse of process dismissed; remaining claims remanded.