(PC) Gray v. Clark

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8 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

9 EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

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11 THOMAS EUGENE GRAY, ) Case No.: 1:20-cv-00196-JLT-SAB (PC)

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12 Plaintiff, )

) ORDER GRANTING DEFENDANTS’ REQUEST

13 v. ) TO AMEND AMENDED PRETRIAL ORDER

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14 KEN CLARK, et.al., ) (Doc. 92; Doc. 113)

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15 Defendants. ) Deadlines:

) Motions in Limine Filing: Nov. 14, 2022

16 ) Oppositions to Motions in Limine: Dec. 9, 2022

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17 ) Jury Trial: Feb. 14, 2023, at 8:30 a.m., 2-3 days

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19 Plaintiff is a state prisoner proceeding pro se and in forma pauperis in this civil rights action

20 brought pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983 against Siefken, Jennings-Sedillo, and Hurtado. Plaintiff claims

21 that despite prior warnings, Siefken and Hurtado failed to protect him from being assaulted by other

22 inmates at Corcoran State Prison and that Jennings-Sedillo used excessive force when she shot him

23 with a 40mm round while he was already on the ground.

24 On April 8, 2022, the Court conducted a pretrial conference in this action. Plaintiff Thomas

25 Eugene Gray appeared pro se. Deputy Attorney General Justin Walker appeared as counsel for

26 Defendants Siefken, Hurtado, and Jennings-Sedillo. Having considered the parties’ pretrial

27 statements, the Court issued a tentative pretrial order on April 8, 2022, with an anticipated trial date of

28 September 26, 2022. (Doc. 51.) On July 15, 2022, Defendants filed a motion to continue the trial

1 date, justified in large part by the unavailability of certain defendants for the September 26, 2022 trial

2 date. (Doc. 57.) Plaintiff did not oppose a continuance. (Id. at 3.) Based upon the reasons set forth in

3 Defendants’ motion, the Court granted the motion to continue, reset the trial to February 13, 2022, and

4 issued a revised pretrial order on August 10, 2022. (Doc. 61). Due to the Court’s criminal calendar,

5 the trial date was reset for February 14, 2023. (Doc. 104.) On October 24, 2022, the Court issued an

6 amended pretrial order (Doc. 88), granting the parties’ request to remove the vaccination requirement

7 during trial. On November 2, 2022, Plaintiff filed objections to the Court’s amended pretrial order.

8 (Doc. 90.) The Court granted in part and denied in part Plaintiff’s request. (Doc. 101.)

9 On November 7, 2022, Defendants filed objections to the Court’s previously issued amended

10 pretrial order (Doc. 88). (Doc. 92.) Defendants made three requests: to add witnesses, to remove

11 witnesses, and to add exhibits. (Id.) On February 1, 2023, Defendants filed a notice of withdrawal of

12 previously identified witnesses. (Doc. 113.) For the reasons set forth below, the Court DENIES in

13 part and GRANTS in part Defendants’ request.

14 First, Defendants request to add two witnesses, Sergeant A. R. Perez and Sergeant M. Medina.

15 (Doc. 92 at 1-2.) Defendants state that these witnesses can authenticate the June 21, 2018, Use of

16 Force Video Interview of Plaintiff. (Id.) Defendants contend Plaintiff “would not be prejudiced or

17 surprised by this requested addition” because the videotaped interview was previously disclosed as an

18 exhibit for trial. (Id.) Plaintiff does not oppose this request. In addition, this evidence may be helpful

19 to the plaintiff and will likely assist the jury in determining the facts of the events. Accordingly,

20 Defendants’ request to amend his list with additional witnesses is GRANTED. However, these

21 witnesses will be permitted to provide testimony only related to the authentication of the video and on

22 no other topic. In addition, the defense is strongly encouraged to seek a stipulation to allow the video

23 to be presented without an authenticating witness, assuming the plaintiff is agreeable to the request.

24 Second, Defendants ask the Court to withdraw two witnesses, B. Taylor and D. Kaudart, from

25 their list. (Doc. 92 at 2.) The pretrial order requires parties to show a manifest injustice to add

26 additional witnesses not previously included but does not specify whether parties must make any

27 showing to remove witnesses. (Doc. 88 at 8; Doc. 101 at 9.) Although typically parties simply do not

28 call superfluous witnesses rather than formally amending their witness list, the Court GRANTS the

1 request to remove these witnesses and accordingly has amended Defendants’ witness list below. On

2 February 1, 2023, Defendants filed a notice stating their intentions not to call several other witnesses

3 on their list: Lt. Hurlbut; S. Surrao; Dr. K Aye; Dr. J. Ziomek; the custodian of records for Plaintiff’s

4 central file; and the custodian of records for Plaintiff’s medical records. (Doc. 113.) The Court has

5 amended Defendants’ witness list below to also reflect these requested deletions.

6 Third, Defendants seek to add two documents to their exhibit list: the California Department of

7 Operations Manual and California Code of Regulations, Title 15. (Doc. 92 at 2.) To amend a party’s

8 exhibit list, the party must show a stipulation for the addition or that the exclusion of the additional

9 evidence would result in “manifest injustice.” (Doc. 88 at 10; Doc. 101 at 11.) Defendants’ statement

10 that “Gray would not be prejudiced or surprised by their inclusion” because the documents were

11 available to him and because his trial exhibits referenced these authorities does not show manifest

12 injustice or explain why Defendants delayed in disclosing these exhibits. (Doc. 92 at 2.) Accordingly,

13 the request to amend Defendants’ exhibit is DENIED.

14 I. JURISDICTION/VENUE

15 This Court has subject matter jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331 and 1343.

16 Jurisdiction is not contested. In addition, the events that gave rise to this action occurred in Corcoran,

17 California. Accordingly, venue is proper in the Eastern District of California, Fresno Division. See 28

18 U.S.C. § 1391(b). Venue is not contested.

19 II. JURY

20 Both parties demanded a trial by jury. (Doc. 1; Doc. 20.) The jury will consist of eight jurors.

21 III. UNDISPUTED FACTS

22 1. On April 22, 2018, Plaintiff was a prisoner housed at Corcoran State Prison.

23 2. On April 22, 2018, Defendants Siefken, Hurtado, and Jennings-Sedillo were

24 correctional officers employed by the California Department of Corrections and

25 Rehabilitation (CDCR) at Corcoran State Prison.

26 3. Around 10:00 p.m. on April 22, 2018, Plaintiff and another inmate were involved in a

27 physical altercation in the dayroom of Plaintiff’s housing unit.

28 4. Defendants Siefken and Hurtado worked as floor officers in Plaintiff’s housing unit.

1 5. During the incident, Defendant Jennings-Sedillo worked as control booth officer in

2 Plaintiff’s housing unit.

3 6. Defendant Jennings-Sedillo fired a 40 mm round that struck Plaintiff.

4 7. Following the altercation, the medical staff evaluated Plaintiff and documented his

5 injuries on a CDCR Form 7219.

6 8. On April 22, 2018, CDCR issued Plaintiff a Rules Violation Report (RVR), Log No.

7 4910152, for fighting.

8 9. On May 24, 2018, based upon a preponderance of the evidence, a Senior Hearing

9 Officer found Plaintiff guilty on RVR, Log No. 4910152, for fighting.

10 10. As a result of the RVR conviction, CDCR assessed Plaintiff a 90-day good-time credit

11 loss.

12 IV. DISPUTED FACTUAL ISSUES

13 1. Whether Plaintiff put Siefken or Hurtado on notice of any safety or security concerns

14 before the altercation occurred on April 22, 2018.

15 2. Whether Plaintiff was engaging in mutual combat with another inmate on April 22, 2018.

16 3. Whether Siefken or Hurtado failed to intervene to protect Plaintiff (i.e., were

17 deliberately indifferent to his personal safety) before or during the altercation on April

18 22, 2018.

19 4. Whether Jennings-Sedillo used excessive force by firing a 40 mm round on April 22,

20 2018.

21 5. Whether Jennings-Sedillo acted to restore order or maliciously or sadistically with

22 intent to injure Plaintiff.

23 6. Whether Plaintiff sustained any injuries during the altercation on April 22, 2018, that

24 were proximately caused by Defendants’ violation of Plaintiff’s Eighth Amendment

25 rights.

26 V. DISPUTED EVIDENTIARY ISSUES/MOTIONS IN LIMINE

27 The purpose of a motion in limine is to establish in advance of the trial that certain evidence

28 should not be offered at trial. “Although the Federal Rules of Evidence do not explicitly authorize in

1 limine rulings, the practice has developed pursuant to the district court’s inherent authority to manage

2 the course of trials.” Luce v. United States, 469 U.S. 38, 40 n. 2 (1984); Jonasson v. Lutheran Child

3 and Family Services, 115 F. 3d 436, 440 (7th Cir. 1997). The Court will grant a motion in limine, and

4 thereby bar use of the evidence in question, only if the moving party establishes that the evidence

5 clearly is not admissible for any valid purpose. Id. The Court does not encourage the filing of

6 motions in limine unless they address issues that can realistically be resolved by the Court prior to trial

7 and without reference to the other evidence that will be introduced by the parties at trial.

8 In advance of filing any motion in limine, the parties SHALL meet and confer to

9 determine whether they can resolve any disputes and avoid filing motions in limine. Along with

10 their motions in limine, the parties SHALL file a certification demonstrating they have in good

11 faith met and conferred and attempted to resolve the dispute. Failure to provide the

12 certification may result in the Court refusing to entertain the motion.

13 Any motions in limine the parties elect to file shall be filed no later than November 14, 2022.

14 Oppositions shall be filed no later than December 9, 2022 and any replies shall be filed no later than

15 December 23, 2022. Upon receipt of any opposition briefs, the Court will notify the parties if it will

16 hear argument on any motions in limine prior to the first day of trial.

17 VI. SPECIAL FACTUAL INFORMATION

18 Plaintiff alleges that Defendants Siefken and Hurtado intentionally failed to protect him from

19 being assaulted by other inmates and that Defendant Jennings-Sedillo intentionally used excessive

20 force against him by shooting him with a non-lethal 40 mm round in violation of the Eighth

21 Amendment.

22 Plaintiff was incarcerated at California State Prison-Corcoran at the time of the alleged events

23 in his Complaint. All of the medical treatment received by Plaintiff following the alleged incident was

24 paid for by the Defendants’ employer, the CDCR. As far as is known, Plaintiff makes no claim for

25 lost wages or earning capacity.

26 VII. RELIEF SOUGHT

27 Plaintiff seeks an undetermined amount in nominal, compensatory and punitive damages.

28 (Doc. 1 at ¶ 9.)

1 Defendants pray for judgment in their favor with Plaintiff taking nothing, as well as an award

2 of costs, and such other relief as the Court deems proper.

3 VIII. POINTS OF LAW

4 A. Liability under Section 1983

5 Under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, Plaintiff is required to prove that Defendants (1) acted under color of

6 state law and (2) deprived him of rights secured by the Eighth Amendment of the United States

7 Constitution. Long v. County of Los Angeles, 442 F.3d 1178, 1185 (9th Cir. 2006). Plaintiff must

8 demonstrate that Defendants personally participated in the deprivation of his rights. Jones v. Williams,

9 297 F.3d 930, 934 (9th Cir. 2002). There is no respondeat superior liability under Section 1983, and

10 the Defendants are only liable for their own misconduct. Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662, 129 S.Ct.

11 1937, 1948-49 (2009); see also Monell v. Dept. of Social Services, 436 U.S. 658, 691-92 (1978).

12 B. Failure to Protect

13 The Eighth Amendment prohibits the infliction of cruel and unusual punishment. U.S. Const.

14 amend VIII. This “imposes a duty on prison officials to protect inmates from violence at the hands of

15 other inmates.” Cortez v. Skol, 776 F.3d 1046, 1050 (9th Cir. 2015). However, “not … every injury

16 suffered by one prisoner at the hands of another … translate into constitutional liability for prison

17 officials responsible for the victim’s safety.” Farmer v. Brennan, 511 U.S. 825, 834 (1994). To

18 establish liability arising under the Eighth Amendment, a prisoner must show a prison official was

19 deliberately indifferent to a substantial risk of harm to his health or safety. Id. at 847. Deliberate

20 indifference requires a showing of both objective and subjective components. Clement v. Gomez, 298

21 F.3d 898, 904 (9th Cir. 2002).

22 The objective component requires a prisoner demonstrate “he was deprived of something

23 sufficiently serious.” Foster v. Runnells, 554 F.3d 807, 812 (9th Cir. 2009) (quoting Farmer, 511 U.S.

24 at 834). The risk must be “substantial,” but it is well settled “a prisoner need not wait until he is

25 actually assaulted before obtaining relief.” Helling v. McKinney, 509 U.S. 25, 33 (1993); see also

26 Farmer, 511 U.S. at 845. For a claim based on a failure to prevent harm, the inmate must show that

27 the conditions of confinement pose a “substantial risk of serious harm.” Farmer, 511 U.S. at 834

28 (citing Helling, 509 U.S. at 35).

1 The subjective component requires a showing that the prison official acted with the culpable

2 mental state, which is “deliberate indifference” to the inmate’s health or safety. Farmer, 511 U.S. at

3 837-38; Estelle v. Gamble, 429 U.S. 97, 104 (1976) (deliberate indifference “constitutes the

4 unnecessary and wanton infliction of pain proscribed by the Eighth Amendment” (citation omitted)).

5 “[A] prison official cannot be found liable under the Eighth Amendment for denying an inmate

6 humane conditions of confinement unless the official knows of and disregards an excessive risk to

7 inmate health or safety; the official must both be aware of facts from which the inference could be

8 drawn that a substantial risk of serious harm exists, and he must also draw the inference.” Farmer, 511

9 U.S. at 837-38. “A fact-finder may infer subjective awareness from circumstantial evidence.” Wilk v.

10 Neven, 956 F.3d 1143, 1147 (9th Cir. 2020) (citations omitted).

11 C. Excessive Force in Violation of the Eighth Amendment

12 To establish a claim for the use of excessive force in violation of the Eighth Amendment, a

13 plaintiff must establish that prison officials applied force maliciously and sadistically to cause harm,

14 rather than in a good-faith effort to maintain or restore discipline. Hudson v. McMillian, 503 U.S. 1, 6-

15 7 (1992). In making this determination, the court may evaluate (1) the need for application of force,

16 (2) the relationship between that need and the amount of force used, (3) the threat reasonably

17 perceived by the responsible officials, and (4) any efforts made to temper the severity of a forceful

18 response. Id. at 7; see also id. at 9-10 (“The Eighth Amendment's prohibition of cruel and unusual

19 punishment necessarily excludes from constitutional recognition de minimis uses of physical force,

20 provided that the use of force is not of a sort repugnant to the conscience of mankind.” (internal

21 quotation marks and citations omitted)). “Prison administrators . . . should be accorded wide-ranging

22 deference in the adoption and execution of policies and practices that in their judgment are needed to

23 preserve internal order and discipline and to maintain institutional security.” Bell v. Wolfish, 441 U.S.

24 520, 547 (1979); Whitley v. Albers, 475 U.S. 312, 320-322 (1986).

25 “[W]henever prison officials stand accused of using excessive physical force in violation of the

26 Cruel and Unusual Punishments Clause, the core judicial inquiry is . . . whether force was applied in a

27 good-faith effort to maintain or restore discipline, or maliciously and sadistically to cause harm.” Id.

28 at 7. “In determining whether the use of force was wanton and unnecessary, it may also be proper to

1 evaluate the need for application of force, the relationship between that need and the amount of force

2 used, the threat reasonably perceived by the responsible officials, and any efforts made to temper the

3 severity of a forceful response.” Id. (internal quotation marks and citations omitted). “The absence of

4 serious injury is . . . relevant to the Eighth Amendment inquiry, but does not end it.” Id.

5 D. Qualified Immunity

6 Qualified immunity applies when an official’s conduct does not violate clearly established

7 statutory or constitutional rights of which a reasonable person would have known. White v. Pauly, 137

8 S. Ct. 548, 551 (2017). Officers are entitled to qualified immunity under Section 1983 unless (1) the

9 officers violate a federal a federal statutory or constitutional right, and (2) the unlawfulness of their

10 conduct was “clearly established at the time.” District of Columbia v. Wesby, 138 S. Ct. 577, 589

11 2018); White, 137 S. Ct. at 551.

12 “Clearly established” means that the statutory or constitutional question was “beyond debate,”

13 such that every reasonable official would understand that what he is doing is unlawful. See Wesby,

14 138 S. Ct. at 589; Vos v. City of Newport Beach, 892 F.3d 1024, 1035 (9th Cir. 2018). This is a

15 “demanding standard” that protects “all but the plainly incompetent or those who knowingly violate

16 the law.” Wesby, 138 S. Ct. at 589 (citing Malley v. Briggs, 475 U.S. 335, 341 (1986)). Thus, to be

17 “clearly established,” a rule must be dictated by controlling authority or by a robust consensus of cases

18 of persuasive authority. Wesby, 138 S. Ct. at 589.

19 E. Punitive Damages

20 Plaintiff has the burden of proving what, if any, punitive damages should be awarded by a

21 preponderance of the evidence. NINTH CIRCUIT MODEL CIVIL JURY INSTRUCTIONS § 5.5 (2018). The

22 jury must find that Defendants’ conduct was “motivated by evil motive or intent, or . . . involves

23 reckless or callous indifference to the federally protected rights of others.” Smith v. Wade, 461 U.S.

24 30, 56 (1986); Larez v. Holcomb, 16 F.3d 1513, 1518 (9th Cir. 1994).

25 F. Impeachment by Evidence of Prior Felony Convictions

26 Federal Rule of Evidence 609(a)(1)(A) provides that evidence of a conviction for a crime

27 punishable for more than one year is admissible, subject to Rule 403, in a civil case to attack a

28 witness’s character for truthfulness. Fed. R. Evid. 609(a)(1)(A). Additionally, any incarcerated

1 witness who testifies is also subject to impeachment under Rule 609. Evidence of a conviction under

2 this rule is not admissible if a period of more than ten years has elapsed since the date of the

3 conviction or release from confinement from it, which is later. Fed. R. Evid. 609(b).

4 ANY CAUSES OF ACTION OR AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES NOT EXPLICITLY LISTED

5 IN THE PRETRIAL ORDER UNDER POINTS OF LAW AT THE TIME IT BECOMES FINAL

6 ARE DISMISSED AND DEEMED WAIVED.

7 IX. ABANDONED ISSUES

8 None.

9 X. WITNESSES

10 1. The following is a list of witnesses that the parties expect to call at trial, including

11 rebuttal and impeachment witnesses. NO WITNESS, OTHER THAN THOSE LISTED IN THIS

12 SECTION, MAY BE CALLED AT TRIAL UNLESS THE PARTIES STIPULATE OR UPON A

13 SHOWING THAT THIS ORDER SHOULD BE MODIFIED TO PREVENT “MANIFEST

14 INJUSTICE.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 16(e); Local Rule 281(b)(10).

15 Plaintiff

16 1. Thomas Eugene Gray

17 Defendants

18 1. Defendant Siefken

19 2. Defendant Hurtado

20 3. Defendant Jennings-Sedillo

21 4. C. Molina

22 5. A. Duran

23 6. R. Covarrubias

24 7. S. Brown

25 8. RN N. Balaba-Gallagher (medical)

26 9. NP P. Rouch (medical)

27 10. Defendant Jennings (expert – use of force)

28 11. Sgt. S. Brown (expert – use of force)

1 12. PT R. Covarrubias (expert – medical)

2 13. RN N. Balaba-Gallagher (expert – medical)

3 14. NP P. Rouch (expert – medical)

4 15. Sergeant A. R. Perez

5 16. Sergeant M. Medina

6 2. The court does not allow undisclosed witnesses to be called for any purpose,

7 including impeachment or rebuttal, unless they meet the following criteria:

8 a. The party offering the witness demonstrates that the witness is for the purpose

9 of rebutting evidence that could not be reasonably anticipated at the pretrial

10 conference, or

11 b. The witness was discovered after the pretrial conference and the proffering

12 party makes the showing required in paragraph B, below.

13 3. Upon the post pretrial discovery of any witness a party wishes to present at trial, the

14 party shall promptly inform the court and opposing parties of the existence of the unlisted witnesses so

15 the court may consider whether the witnesses shall be permitted to testify at trial. The witnesses will

16 not be permitted unless:

17 a. The witness could not reasonably have been discovered prior to the discovery

18 cutoff;

19 b. The court and opposing parties were promptly notified upon discovery of the

20 witness;

21 c. If time permitted, the party proffered the witness for deposition; and

22 d. If time did not permit, a reasonable summary of the witness’s testimony was

23 provided to opposing parties.

24 4. Each party may call any witnesses designated by the other.

25 XI. EXHIBITS, SCHEDULES, AND SUMMARIES

26 The following is a list of documents or other exhibits that the parties expect to offer at trial.

27 NO EXHIBIT, OTHER THAN THOSE LISTED BELOW, MAY BE ADMITTED UNLESS THE

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1 PARTIES STIPULATE OR UPON A SHOWING THAT THIS ORDER SHOULD BE MODIFIED

2 TO PREVENT “MANIFEST INJUSTICE.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 16(e); Local Rule 281(b)(11).

3 1. The Court does not allow the use of undisclosed exhibits for any purpose,

4 including impeachment or rebuttal, unless they meet the following criteria:

5 a. The party proffering the exhibit demonstrates that the exhibit is for the purpose

6 of rebutting evidence that could not have been reasonably anticipated, or

7 b. The exhibit was discovered after the issuance of this order and the proffering

8 party makes the showing required in paragraph 2, below.

9 2. Upon the discovery of exhibits after the discovery cutoff, a party shall promptly inform

10 the court and opposing parties of the existence of such exhibits so that the court may consider their

11 admissibility at trial. The exhibits will not be received unless the proffering party demonstrates:

12 a. The exhibits could not reasonably have been discovered earlier;

13 b. The court and the opposing parties were promptly informed of their existence;

14 and

15 c. The proffering party forwarded a copy of the exhibits (if physically possible) to

16 the opposing party. If the exhibits may not be copied the proffering party must

17 show that it has made the exhibits reasonably available for inspection by the

18 opposing parties.

19 Plaintiff

20 1. Crime/Incident Reports and Staff Supplemental Reports for Log #CDR-03A-18-

21 04-0416 A1

22 2. Medical Reports

23 3. Grievance History

24 4. Confidential Disclosure Info. Form

25 5. ASU Placement Form

26 6. Vocational Progress Reports

27 7. Plaintiff’s Letters to Internal Affairs

28 Defendants

1 1. Staff report Defendant Siefken for the incident on April 22, 2018 (Log No.

2 COR-03A-18-04-0416A1.)

3 2. Staff report Defendant Hurtado for the incident on April 22, 2018 (Log No.

4 COR-03A-18-04-0416A1.)

5 3. Staff report Defendant Jennings-Sedillo for the incident on April 22, 2018 (Log

6 No. COR-03A-18-04-0416A1.)

7 4. Staff report B. Taylor for the incident on April 22, 2018 (Log No. COR-03A-

8 18-04-0416A1.)

9 5. Staff report C. Molina for the incident on April 22, 2018 (Log No. COR-03A-

10 18-04-0416A1.)

11 6. Staff report for Sgt. S. Brown for the incident on April 22, 2018 (Log No. COR-

12 03A-18-04-0416A1)

13 7. Staff report for PT R. Covarrubias for the incident on April 22, 2018 (Log No.

14 COR-03A-18-04-0416A1)

15 8. Staff report for LVN D. Kaundart for the incident on April 22, 2018 (Log No.

16 COR-03A-18-04-0416A1)

17 9. Abstract of Judgment representing Plaintiff’s felony conviction(s) and

18 sentence(s).

19 10. Abstract(s) of Judgment representing felony conviction(s) and sentence(s) of

20 Plaintiff’s inmate witnesses.

21 11. CDCR 7219 Medical Report of Injury or Unusual Occurrence for Plaintiff,

22 dated April 22, 2018.

23 12. Relevant portions of Plaintiff’s medical records, including, but not limited to,

24 the following:

25 a. RN Surrao’s April 22, 2018, Progress Notes

26 b. R. Covarrubias’ April 22, 2018, Assessment Forms

27 c. Dr. Ziomek’s April 23, 2018, Progress Notes

28 d. RN Surrao’s April 23, 2018, Assessment Forms

1 e. RN Balaba-Gallagher’s April 23, 2018, Clinic Notes

2 f. RN Balaba-Gallagher’s April 23, 2018, Assessment Forms

3 g. NP Rouch’s April 26, 2018, Progress Notes

4 13. Relevant portions of Plaintiff’s ERMS and SOMS files.

5 14. Rules Violation Report, Log No. 4910152.

6 15. Use of Force Video Interview of Plaintiff, dated June 21, 2018.

7 16. For demonstrative purposes, photographs and/or diagrams of Corcoran State

8 Prison

9 The parties must exchange exhibits, not previously produced/obtained in discovery, no later

10 than November 14, 2022. No later than November 28, 2022, the parties SHALL meet and confer to

11 discuss any disputes related to the above listed exhibits and to pre-mark and examine each other’s

12 exhibits to the extent that has not already taken place. Any exhibits not previously disclosed in

13 discovery SHALL be proved promptly so that it is received by the above exhibit exchange deadline.

14 1. At the exhibit conference, the parties will determine whether there are objections to the

15 admission of each of the exhibits and shall cooperate in the preparation of separate indexes; one listing

16 joint exhibits, one listing Plaintiff’s exhibits and one listing Defendants’ exhibits. In advance of the

17 conference, the parties must have a complete set of their proposed exhibits in order to be able to fully

18 discuss whether evidentiary objections exist. Thus, any exhibit not previously provided in discovery

19 SHALL be provided at least five court days in advance of the exhibit conference.

20 2. At the conference, the parties shall identify any duplicate exhibits, i.e., any document

21 which both sides desire to introduce into evidence. These exhibits SHALL be marked as a joint

22 exhibit and numbered as directed above. Joint exhibits SHALL be admitted into without further

23 foundation.

24 ///

25 All joint exhibits will be pre-marked with numbers preceded by the designation “JT” (e.g.

26 JT/1, JT/2, etc.). Plaintiff’s exhibits will be pre-marked with numbers beginning with 1 by the

27 designation PX (e.g. PX1, PX2, etc.). Defendants’ exhibits will be pre-marked with numbers

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1 beginning with 501 preceded by the designation DX (e.g. DX501, DX502, etc.). The parties SHALL

2 number each page of any exhibit exceeding one page in length (e.g. PX1-1, PX1-2, PX1-3, etc.).

3 If originals of exhibits are unavailable, the parties may substitute legible copies. If any

4 document is offered that is not fully legible, the Court may exclude it from evidence.

5 Each joint exhibit binder shall contain an index which is placed in the binder before the exhibits.

6 The index shall consist of a column for the exhibit number, one for a description of the exhibit and one

7 column entitled “Admitted in Evidence” (as shown in the example below).

8 INDEX OF JOINT EXHIBITS

9 EXHIBIT# DESCRIPTION ADMITTED

IN EVIDENCE

10

11

12 3. As to any exhibit which is not a joint exhibit but to which there is no objection to its

13 introduction, the exhibit will likewise be appropriately marked, i.e., as PX1, or as DX501 and will be

14 indexed as such on the index of the offering party. Such exhibits will be admitted upon introduction

15 and motion of the party, without further foundation.

16 4. Each exhibit binder shall contain an index which is placed in the binder before the

17 exhibits. Each index shall consist of the exhibit number, the description of the exhibit and the three

18 columns as shown in the example below.

19 INDEX OF EXHIBITS

20 EXHIBIT# DESCRIPTION ADMITTED OBJECTION OBJECTION

IN FOUNDATION OTHER

21 EVIDENCE

22

23

24 5. On the index, as to exhibits to which the only objection is a lack of foundation, the

25 parties will place a mark under the column heading entitled “Objection Foundation.”

26 6. On the index, as to exhibits to which there are objections to admissibility that are not

27 based solely on a lack of foundation, the parties will place a mark under the column heading entitled

28 “Other Objections.”

1 7. As to each exhibit which is not objected to in the index, it shall be marked and

2 received into evidence and will require no further foundation.

3 After the exhibit conference, the parties Defendants SHALL develop four complete, legible sets

4 of exhibits. The parties SHALL deliver three sets of their exhibit binders to the Courtroom Clerk and

5 provide one set to their opponent, no later than 4:00 p.m. February 6, 2023. The parties SHALL

6 determine which of them will also provide three sets of the joint exhibits to the Courtroom Clerk.

7 8. The Parties SHALL number each page of any exhibit exceeding one page in length.

8 XII. POST-TRIAL EXHIBIT RETENTION

9 Pursuant to the Court’s policy, the Court will return all exhibits to their proffers to be retained

10 during the pendency of any appeals. Accordingly, Defendants’ request that the court retain all exhibits

11 pending any decision on appeal (Doc. 49 at 13) is DENIED.

12 XIII. DISCOVERY DOCUMENTS

13 The parties must lodge the sealed original copy of any deposition transcript to be used at trial

14 with the Clerk of Court no later than January 30, 2023.

15 Defendants reserve the right to introduce Plaintiff’s deposition transcript, or portions thereof.

16 XIV. FURTHER DISCOVERY OR MOTIONS

17 The time for discovery has expired and Defendants do not contemplate any further discovery.

18 Excluding motions in limine, Defendants do not anticipate making any other pre-trial motions.

19 XV. STIPULATIONS

20 None.

21 XVI. AMENDMENTS/DISMISSAL

22 None.

23 XVII. SETTLEMENT

24 The parties participated in a settlement conference on October 1, 2020, before Magistrate

25 Judge Barbara A. McAuliffe but were unable to reach a settlement.

26 Defendants believe that a pre-trial settlement conference may be beneficial. If the parties

27 jointly agree that a settlement conference may be productive, within 21 days, counsel for the

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1 defendants SHALL contact the chambers of Judge Boone, to have a settlement conference set as soon

2 as possible.

3 XVIII. JOINT STATEMENT OF THE CASE

4 The Court has drafted the following neutral statement of the case to be read to the prospective

5 jurors:

6 Plaintiff claims that, despite prior warnings, Defendants Siefken and

Hurtado failed to protect him from being assaulted by other inmates at

7 Corcoran State Prison and that Defendant Jennings-Sedillo used excessive

force when she shot him with a 40mm round while he was already on the

8

ground. Defendants deny all of Plaintiff’s allegations.

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10 The parties are directed to raise any objection to this neutral statement of the case in any

11 objections they file to this tentative Pretrial Order.

12 XIX. SEPARATE TRIAL OF ISSUES

13 There will be no separate trial of issues in this action. However, the Court will bifurcate the

14 trial with respect to the amount of punitive damages, if necessary. Should a jury find punitive liability

15 in the first phase of the trial, the trial will proceed to a second phase which will consist of any

16 evidence and argument with respect to the appropriate amount, if any, of punitive damages. The

17 parties may not present evidence regarding the amount of punitive damages until the second phase of

18 the trial.

19 XX. IMPARTIAL EXPERTS/LIMITATION OF EXPERTS

20 None.

21 XXI. ATTORNEYS’ FEES

22 Plaintiff, who is proceeding pro se, is not entitled to attorney’s fees. Kay v. Ehrler, 499 U.S.

23 432, 435 (1991).

24 Defendants did not indicate that they seek attorneys’ fees. (Doc. 47 at 13.)

25 XXII. TRIAL PROTECTIVE ORDER

26 If Defendants are required to disclose information concerning his financial status, they will

27 request that the Court issue a protective order concerning this information, under Local Rule

28 141.1(b)(2).

1 XXIII. ESTIMATED TIME OF TRIAL/TRIAL DATE

2 Jury trial is set for February 13, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. before the Honorable Jennifer L. Thurston

3 at Robert E. Coyle United States Courthouse, 2500 Tulare Street, Fresno, California.

4 Defendants anticipate the trial to last 2-3 days.

5 The Court directs the parties to Judge Thurston’s standing order for the undersigned available

6 on the Eastern District of California’s website. This standing order may change before trial, and the

7 parties should review the website prior to trial.

8 XXIV. TRIAL PREPARATION AND PROPOSED JURY VOIR DIRE AND PROPOSED JURY

9 INSTRUCTIONS

10 A. Trial Briefs

11 The parties are relieved of their obligation under Local Rule 285 to file trial briefs. If any

12 party wishes to file a trial brief, they much do so in accordance with Local Rule 285 and be filed no

13 later than February 6, 2023.

14 B. Jury Voir Dire

15 The parties are required to file their proposed voir dire questions, in accordance with Local

16 Rule 162.1, no later than January 30, 2023.

17 C. Jury Instructions and Verdict Form

18 Defendants SHALL file proposed jury instructions as provided in Local Rule 163 no later than

19 January 9, 2023.1 At the same time, the Defendants SHALL lodge via e-mail a copy of the proposed

20 jury instructions and verdict form, in Word format, to JLTOrders@caed.uscourts.gov. If Plaintiff

21 wishes to file proposed jury instructions or object to those proposed by Defendants, he must do so no

22 later than January 23, 2023.

23 In selecting proposed instructions, the parties shall use Ninth Circuit Model Civil Jury

24 Instructions or California’s CACI instructions to the extent possible. All jury instructions and verdict

25 forms shall indicate the party submitting the instruction or verdict form (i.e., joint, plaintiff’s,

26 defendant’s, etc.), the number of the proposed instruction in sequence, a brief title for the instruction

27 describing the subject matter, the complete text of the instruction, and the legal authority supporting

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1 || the instruction. Each instruction SHALL be numbered.

2 || XXV. OBJECTIONS TO PRETRIAL ORDER

3 Within 14 days after the date of service of this order, the parties may file written objections tc

4 || any of the provisions set forth in this order. The parties may file replies to the objections within sever

5 days. The objections shall clearly specify the requested modifications, corrections, additions or

6 deletions. If no objections are filed, the order will become final without further order of this Court.

7 The parties are reminded that pursuant to Rule 16(e) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure

8 || and Local Rule 283 of this court, this order shall control the subsequent course of this action and shal

9 || be modified only to prevent manifest injustice.

10 || XXVI. MISCELLANEOUS

11 As the parties are aware, the courthouses of the Eastern District of California were closed to

12 the general public for over a year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Though the pandemic is

13 || currently receding, the Court is ever mindful that jurors do not serve at their own free will and forcins

14 || them to be in close quarters for an extended period risks their health. Consequently, unless otherwise

15 || ordered by the Court, everyone in the courtroom SHALL wear a N95 or equivalent mask, which

16 || covers the nose and mouth. The Court will provide witnesses a face shield to use while testifying, if

17 || requested. The Court will reconsider this masking requirement when the trail date approaches.

18 || XXVII. COMPLIANCE

19 Strict compliance with this order and its requirements is mandatory. All parties and their

20 || counsel are subject to sanctions, including dismissal or entry of default, for failure to fully comply

21 || with this order and its requirements.

22

23 || IT IS SO ORDERED.

24 |! Dated: _ February 6, 2023 Charis [Tourn

25 TED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

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