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305 P.3d 374
Ariz.
2013
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Background

  • Lund relatives seek guardian/conservator for Bradford Lund; Lunds oppose petition.
  • Miller's counsel served JS&S with subpoena for non-privileged Bradford info; Murphy disclosed entire file believing he represented Bradford.
  • Bradford's counsel learned of disclosure and notified Murphy; Murphy distributed file to others in case per Miller's disclosure statement.
  • Lunds move to disqualify Murphy and B&C for reading/retaining privileged materials; JS&S moves to compel compliance with inadvertent-disclosure rules.
  • Trial court permits Murphy to retain file but bars copying or conveying; orders JS&S to prepare a privilege log; later, JS&S to intervene.
  • Court of Appeals stayed, holding that in camera review is not unbounded and must follow Rule 26.1(f)(2) thresholds; this Court grants review to clarify privilege-review procedures.

Issues

Issue Plaintiff's Argument Defendant's Argument Held
Must in camera review be shown necessary before reviewing documents Lunds: review should not occur without threshold showing. Miller/JS&S: broad right to in camera review under Rule 26.1(f)(2). Yes; threshold necessary before in camera review.
Is reviewing all documents appropriate before privilege/waiver argument Should await privilege log responses and arguments before reviewing. Court may review to determine privilege status. court should await privilege-log responses and arguments before reviewing documents

Key Cases Cited

  • United States v. Zolin, 491 U.S. 554 (1989) (threshold showing required for in camera review regarding crime-fraud exception)
  • Kline v. Kline, 212 P.3d 902 (App. 2009) (prima facie evidence required for exceptions)
  • State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co. v. Lee, 13 P.3d 1169 (Ariz. 2000) (discovery rulings on privilege reviewed for abuse of discretion)
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Case Details

Case Name: Bradford Lund v. Hon. Myers
Court Name: Arizona Supreme Court
Date Published: Jul 16, 2013
Citations: 305 P.3d 374; 2013 WL 3583944; 2013 Ariz. LEXIS 159; 232 Ariz. 309; CV-12-0349-PR
Docket Number: CV-12-0349-PR
Court Abbreviation: Ariz.
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