The Arizona Court of Appeals upheld a ruling that found a lawsuit filed by the state’s Republican Party after the 2020 election was groundless and filed in bad faith.
The court ordered the party to pay $18,000.
The GOP had sued to require a hand count audit be done by each precinct.
The appellate court wrote that the First Amendment does not shield attorneys or parties from a court’s obligation to impose fees against those who bring claims without substantial justification.
In a statement, the Arizona Republican Party said it was surprised by the decision and will speak with legal counsel.
The fees the party and its attorneys are required to pay cover the costs taxpayers had to pick up to defend government officials in the case.
