Vexatious Litigant Hearing

A Vexatious Litigant Hearing is a legal proceeding where the court evaluates whether a party’s litigation practices are deemed abusive or harassing. In Utah, a vexatious litigant is someone who repeatedly files frivolous or meritless lawsuits, often with the intention of harassing or burdening others rather than seeking legitimate legal redress. The hearing is held to address these problematic behaviors and determine appropriate measures to prevent further abuse.

During the hearing, evidence and arguments are presented to demonstrate that the party’s litigation practices are vexatious. This may include a history of numerous unsuccessful lawsuits, repetitive filings, or evidence of harassment. The court will consider whether the party’s actions meet the criteria for being classified as vexatious and whether any restrictions or sanctions should be imposed.

If the court finds that the party is a vexatious litigant, it may issue orders restricting their ability to file new lawsuits without prior court approval or imposing other sanctions. The goal of the hearing is to protect the court system and other parties from abusive litigation practices, ensuring that the legal process is used appropriately and effectively.