Opinion ID: 2790289
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Fight and Pretrial Litigation

Text: On November 4, 2003, Barnett and two prison guards fought violently in his cell. Barnett says that the guards attacked him with a flashlight and a baton without provocation and followed up with pepper spray and more baton strikes after his submission. The guards say that Barnett initiated the attack on one guard and the other came to his colleague’s aid, and that both guards were injured. The parties agree that Barnett suffered physical injuries. Barnett sued the two guards under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for malicious and sadistic use of force in violation of the Eighth Amendment, and a third guard for failing to protect Barnett by timely intervening. The parties consented to trying the case before a magistrate judge. A key issue was whether Barnett could secure the attendance of witnesses for trial. Barnett filed motions for the production of prisoners Phillip Conti, Darrell King, and Sven Johnson to testify on his behalf. He stated that while the three would not testify voluntarily, they would provide evidence supporting his version of events if compelled. The guards opposed these efforts and suggested the witnesses testify by video or telephone, as transporting the dangerous prisoners, all serving lengthy sentences for violent crimes, required significant law enforcement supervision and resources. The magistrate judge granted Barnett’s motions.1 1 The magistrate judge initially denied Barnett’s motion as to Johnson, concluding that his testimony would be cumulative. Barnett objected to the denial, arguing that Johnson could offer non-cumulative testimony, BARNETT V. NORMAN 5 In writs of habeas corpus ad testificandum, the judge identified each inmate as a “necessary and material witness” and ordered their production for trial. Shortly after the judge’s order, King filed a request to quash the writ and a supporting declaration stating that he did not see the officers “apply any force to Barnett,” he could not “provide any relevant information,” and he did not “wish to attend trial.”