Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_05-cv-01115/USCOURTS-caed-1_05-cv-01115-14/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 440
Nature of Suit: Other Civil Rights
Cause of Action: 28:1983 Civil Rights

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

JAMES W. MOORE, JR, et al., CASE NO. CV F 05-1115 AWI LJO

Plaintiffs, ORDER DENYING APPLICATION FOR

AN OSC RE CONTEMPT TO THIRD

vs. PARTY WITNESS

COUNTY OF KERN, et al.,

Defendants.

 /

In a notice filed on October 31, 2006, the County of Kern applies for an OSC why third party

deponent John Tripp (“Mr. Tripp”) should not be held in contempt for failing to appear for his

deposition on October 23, 2006. The matter came on regularly for hearing on December 8, 2006 in

Department 8 of the above-entitled court. 

At oral argument, Mr. Tripp’s counsel, Charles Chapman, argued that Mr. Tripp intended to

comply with the subpoena, but that on the day of the deposition and during deposition preparation with

co-counsel, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Tripp became very ill. Defendants objected to the evidence as hearsay.

At oral argument, the Court indicated that the sole basis for possibly granting an OSC re Contempt was

Mr. Tripp’s failure to provide notice of his illness prior to the deposition. The Court then ordered Mr.

Rodriguez to provide supplemental evidence regarding his deposition preparation of Mr. Tripp. 

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Case 1:05-cv-01115-AWI -SMS Document 96 Filed 12/12/06 Page 1 of 2
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On December 11, 2006, Mr. Rodriguez filed a declaration. (Doc. 94.) From the review of the

declaration, the Court finds that there was no advance notice and that contact with opposing counsel was

made as soon as practical. 

Accordingly, the Application for an Order to Show Cause why John Tripp should not be held

in Contempt is DENIED.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: December 12, 2006 /s/ Lawrence J. O'Neill 

b9ed48 UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:05-cv-01115-AWI -SMS Document 96 Filed 12/12/06 Page 2 of 2