147 Cal. Rptr. 3d 319
Cal. App. Dep’t Super. Ct.2012Background
- Citibank, N.A. appeals an order denying its anti-SLAPP motion to strike respondent Alicia M. Tabalon's cross-complaint.
- Tabalon's cross-complaint alleges Citibank's debt collection practices violated the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
- The trial court denied Citibank's motion to strike the cross-complaint under Code of Civil Procedure section 425.16.
- The appellate division lacked express statutory authority to review prejudgment anti-SLAPP rulings in limited civil cases.
- The court dismissed the appeal for lack of jurisdiction, without ruling on the merits of the anti-SLAPP issue.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether the appellate division may review prejudgment anti-SLAPP orders in limited civil cases | Tabalon | Citibank | No jurisdiction to review prejudgment order in limited case |
| Whether section 904.1 authorizes direct appeal of prejudgment anti-SLAPP rulings in limited civil cases | Tabalon | Citibank | Not applicable; limited civil appeals use § 904.2 |
| Whether the statutory scheme implies interlocutory anti-SLAPP review is unavailable in limited civil cases | Tabalon | Citibank | Yes; Legislature excluded interlocutory anti-SLAPP review in limited civil cases |
Key Cases Cited
- California Ins. Guarantee Assn. v. Workers’ Comp. Appeals Bd., 117 Cal.App.4th 350 (Cal. Ct. App. 2004) (prejudgment review and appellate jurisdiction principles)
- Doe v. United States Swimming, Inc., 200 Cal.App.4th 1424 (Cal. Ct. App. 2011) (appealability and standards for interlocutory orders)
- In re Javier G., 130 Cal.App.4th 1195 (Cal. Ct. App. 2005) (interlocutory review and jurisdictional limitations)
- Tyrone W. v. Superior Court, 151 Cal.App.4th 839 (Cal. Ct. App. 2007) (exclusion of interlocutory appeals in limited civil matters)
- Katie V. v. Superior Court, 130 Cal.App.4th 586 (Cal. Ct. App. 2005) (statutory interpretation of appealability in limited cases)
- Shaw v. McMahon, 197 Cal.App.3d 417 (Cal. Ct. App. 1987) (legislative control over appellate rights; nonreformable statutory gaps)
- County of Santa Clara v. Perry, 18 Cal.4th 435 (Cal. 1998) (statutory interpretation and legislative prerogative)