Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-cand-3_99-cv-02506/USCOURTS-cand-3_99-cv-02506-98/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 890
Nature of Suit: Other Statutory Actions
Cause of Action: 18:1962 Racketeering (RICO) Act

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United States District Court

For the Northern District of California

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United States District Court

For the Northern District of California

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

LARRY BOWOTO, et al.,

Plaintiffs,

 v.

 CHEVRON CORPORATION, et al.,

Defendants. /

No. C 99-02506 SI

ORDER RE: LETTER REQUEST FOR

TELEPHONIC HEARING RE VISA

REQUESTS

By letter brief, plaintiffs have requested another hearing on their visa problems, seeking the

following relief: permission to take trial preservation depositions; permission to present video

conference trial testimony; an order directing CNL to invite plaintiffs’ counsel to come to Nigeria for

trial preparation; and an order continuing from 9/15/08 to 10/13/08 the date for designating deposition

testimony. Chevron opposes all of these requests.

The request for a further hearing is DENIED. 

The request for an order permitting plaintiffs to take trial preservation depositions for any

plaintiff or witness for whom they are now unable to obtain a visa is DENIED. Discovery has closed

long since, and these witnesses were, for the most part, already deposed. It was plaintiffs’ choice not

to take trial preservation testimony during the discovery process; at this late date it would be unfair to

reopen discovery for this purpose.

Plaintiffs’ request for an order permitting plaintiffs to present the trial testimony of Nigerian

plaintiffs and witnesses through video-conferencing technology is conditionally GRANTED. Plaintiffs

may take steps to make the appropriate arrangements. If those arrangements are adequate to allow

clearly audible direct- and cross-examination of the witnesses, under oath and with adequate

Case 3:99-cv-02506-SI Document 1856 Filed 09/02/08 Page 1 of 2
United States District Court

For the Northern District of California

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interpretation facilities, the Court will allow plaintiffs to proceed in that manner. The Court can provide

one videoconferencing facility in the courtroom, but plaintiffs will be responsible for making and paying

for all arrangements on the far end.

Plaintiffs’ request for an order directing defendants to direct CNL to write a letter inviting

plaintiffs’ counsel to come to Nigeria for trial preparation, including videoconferencing arrangements,

is DENIED without prejudice to reconsideration should plaintiffs’ counsel be denied entry to Nigeria

for trial preparation.

Plaintiffs’ request for an order continuing the date to designate depositions for witnesses unable

to secure a visa is GRANTED IN PART: the September 15, 2008 deadline is extended to September 29,

2008.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: September 2, 2008 SUSAN ILLSTON

United States District Judge

Case 3:99-cv-02506-SI Document 1856 Filed 09/02/08 Page 2 of 2