Case: Waterman v. Verniero

2:98-cv-01938 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey

Filed Date: April 24, 1998

Closed Date: 2000

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

Two prisoners at a facility for sex offenders filed this §1983 action in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey on April 24, 1998, against the state of New Jersey, alleging a violation of their First Amendment rights. Specifically, the plaintiffs alleged that a New Jersey law banning "sexually oriented materials" in the state's Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center (ADTC) was unconstitutionally overbroad and vague, as well as a violation of their right to free speech.O…

Two prisoners at a facility for sex offenders filed this §1983 action in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey on April 24, 1998, against the state of New Jersey, alleging a violation of their First Amendment rights. Specifically, the plaintiffs alleged that a New Jersey law banning "sexually oriented materials" in the state's Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center (ADTC) was unconstitutionally overbroad and vague, as well as a violation of their right to free speech.

On June 1, 1998, the Court (Mag. Judge Joel A. Pisano) issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting defendant from enforcing the relevant state law. On June 29, the Court granted a preliminary injunction prohibiting defendant from enforcing that law. 12 F.Supp.2d 364 (amended July 21, 1998). On July 22, the Court (Judge Alfred M. Wolin) found New Jersey's statute unconstitutional and permanently enjoined state officials from enforcing it. 12 F.Supp.2d 378. On August 11, 1998, the Court permanently enjoined defendants from prohibiting inmates to possess and view recreational movies.

On June 30, 1999, the Court of Appeals (Circuit Judge Alito) reversed, holding that the state statute did not violate plaintiffs' constitutional rights and remanded with instructions to enter judgment for defendant. 183 F.3d 208.

On March 3, 2000, the district court (Magistrate Judge Pisano) denied plaintiff's request for attorney fees, holding that the applicable statute precluded recovery when the suit merely catalyzed (but did not compel) state curative action, and such denial of the catalyst basis for fees recovery did not violate plaintiffs' equal protection rights. 84 F.Supp.2d 579. The plaintiffs appealed this decision.

On September 27, 2000, the Court of Appeals amended the cost taxed against the defendant, adding an additional $598.40. We don't have the order, but it appears that the Court of Appeals did not alter the attorneys' fee part of the judgment. Nothing more appears in the district court docket.

Summary Authors

Timothy Shoffner (4/30/2013)

Jessica Kincaid (2/14/2016)

People


Judge(s)

Alito, Samuel A. Jr. (New Jersey)

Barry, Maryanne Trump (New Jersey)

Lewis, Timothy K. (Pennsylvania)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Hobbie, Gregg M. (New Jersey)

Attorney for Defendant

Bollheimer, Ronald L. (New Jersey)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

2:98-cv-01938

98-06261

Docket [PACER]

Oct. 5, 2000

Oct. 5, 2000

Docket

2:98-cv-01398

Opinion [Granting Preliminary Injunction]

July 21, 1998

July 21, 1998

Order/Opinion

12 F.Supp.2d 364

36

2:98-cv-01398

Opinion [Granting Permanent Injunction and Dismissing Case]

July 22, 1998

July 22, 1998

Order/Opinion

12 F.Supp.2d 378

98-06261

Opinion of the Court [Reversing and Remanding to District Court]

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

June 30, 1999

June 30, 1999

Order/Opinion

183 F.3d 208

54

2:98-cv-01938

Opinion [Denying Plaintiffs' Application]

March 1, 2000

March 1, 2000

Order/Opinion

84 F.Supp.2d 579

Docket

Last updated March 26, 2025, 9 a.m.

ECF Number Date Description Link
1 April 24, 1998

APPLICATION to proceed in forma pauperis (femp) (Entered: 04/29/1998)

PACER
2 April 24, 1998

CONDITIONAL ORDER granting in forma pauperis, directing initial partial filing fee of $43.17, accepting check for $25.00 and ordering balance of $18.17 to be paid within 120 days ( signed by Judge Alfred M. Wolin ) (femp) (Entered: 04/29/1998)

PACER
3 May 7, 1998

COMPLAINT filed FILING FEE $ 25.00 Sub total $$50.00 RECEIPT # 0251514 (nr) Modified on 08/14/1998 (Entered: 05/12/1998)

PACER
4 May 7, 1998

NOTICE of by RICHARD WATERMAN, MICHAEL CURTIS for waiver of service of summons and complt. (nr) (Entered: 05/12/1998)

PACER
5 May 7, 1998

APPLICATION/motion to dispense with security requirement (nr) (Entered: 05/12/1998)

PACER
6 May 7, 1998

APPLICATION/motion for assignment of counsel with proof of service. (nr) (Entered: 05/12/1998)

PACER
7 May 7, 1998

APPLICATION/motion for temporary restraining order (nr) (Entered: 05/12/1998)

PACER
8 May 7, 1998

APPLICATION/motion for class certfication (nr) (Entered: 05/12/1998)

PACER
9 May 7, 1998

LETTER By RICHARD WATERMAN, MICHAEL CURTIS in support of pltfs' motion for temporary restraining order (nr) (Entered: 05/12/1998)

PACER
10 May 12, 1998

NOTICE of Allocation and Assignment filed. Magistrate Judge Joel A. Pisano (nr) (Entered: 05/12/1998)

PACER
May 12, 1998

SUMMONS(ES) issued for PETER VERNIERO, JACK TERHUNE, WILLIAM PLANTIER ( 20 Days) (Place in USM box) (nr) Modified on 05/12/1998 (Entered: 05/12/1998)

PACER
11 May 19, 1998

ORDER denying temporary restraining order; reserving decision of application to proceed in forma pauperis and directing Magistrate Pisano to decide the issue appointing counsel ( signed by Judge Alfred M. Wolin ) (nr) (Entered: 05/20/1998)

PACER
12 May 21, 1998

OPINION ( signed by Mag. Judge Joel A. Pisano ) (mn) (Entered: 05/22/1998)

PACER
14 May 28, 1998

ORDER granting pltf's motion to proceed in forma pauperis ( signed by Judge Alfred M. Wolin ) (nr) (Entered: 05/29/1998)

PACER
15 June 1, 1998

TRO &ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE: why a preliminary injunction should not be issue Show Cause Hearing set for 10:00 6/16/98 ( signed by Judge Alfred M. Wolin ) (nr) (Entered: 06/02/1998)

PACER
16 June 2, 1998

RETURN OF SERVICE executed 5/18/98 on ADTC (nr) (Entered: 06/02/1998)

PACER
17 June 2, 1998

RETURN OF SERVICE executed 5/28/98 Answer due on 10:00 6/16/98 Depart of Corrections (nr) (Entered: 06/02/1998)

PACER
18 June 8, 1998

Partial payment fee as to RICHARD WATERMAN Receipt No. 0251992 Amount Paid $ 25.00 Subtotal $ 75.00 (nr) Modified on 08/14/1998 (Entered: 06/08/1998)

PACER
19 June 8, 1998

APPLICATION by PETER VERNIERO and Clerk's Order extending time to answer. Answer due 7/6/98 for PETER VERNIERO (nr) (Entered: 06/09/1998)

PACER
20 June 8, 1998

APPLICATION by JACK TERHUNE and Clerk's Order extending time to answer. Answer due 7/2/98 for JACK TERHUNE (nr) (Entered: 06/09/1998)

PACER
21 June 8, 1998

APPLICATION by WILLIAM PLANTIER and Clerk's Order extending time to answer. Answer due 6/22/98 for WILLIAM PLANTIER (nr) (Entered: 06/09/1998)

PACER
24 June 12, 1998

AFFIDAVIT of TIMOTHY P. FOLEY on behalf of PETER VERNIERO, JACK TERHUNE, WILLIAM PLANTIER Re: (nr) (Entered: 06/12/1998)

PACER
25 June 12, 1998

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by RICHARD WATERMAN, MICHAEL CURTIS of letter reply brief re prelinj etc (pv) (Entered: 06/15/1998)

PACER
26 June 15, 1998

Partial payment fee as to RICHARD WATERMAN Receipt No. 0252091 Amount Paid $ 50.00 Subtotal $ 125.00 (nr) Modified on 08/14/1998 (Entered: 06/15/1998)

PACER
27 June 16, 1998

CERTIFICATION of CHARLES TRIMBLET on behalf of pltf. (nr) (Entered: 06/17/1998)

PACER
28 June 16, 1998

CERTIFICATION of RICHARD J. WATERMAN (nr) (Entered: 06/17/1998)

PACER
29 June 16, 1998

CERTIFICATION of MICHAEL N. CURTIS on behalf of pltf. (nr) (Entered: 06/17/1998)

PACER
30 June 16, 1998

CERTIFICATION of MICHAEL SILVESTRI on behalf of RICHARD WATERMAN (nr) (Entered: 06/17/1998)

PACER
31 June 16, 1998

Minute entry: Proceedings recorded by Ct−Reporter: McGuire; Minutes of: 06.16.98; The following actions were taken, [15−1] order taken under advisement, rule 78 By Judge Alfred M. Wolin (nr) (Entered: 06/18/1998)

PACER
32 June 22, 1998

ANSWER to Complaint by PETER VERNIERO, JACK TERHUNE, WILLIAM PLANTIER (nr) (Entered: 06/22/1998)

PACER
33 June 29, 1998

OPINION (Copy to NJLJ) ( signed by Judge Alfred M. Wolin ) (nr) (Entered: 06/30/1998)

PACER
34 June 29, 1998

ORDER, vacating temporary restraints and preliminarily enjoining the State of New Jersey from prohibiting the inmates at Adult Diagnostic Treatment Center from possessing and viewing movies with "R" and "NC−13" ratings, setting trial date for 10:00 7/20/98 ( signed by Judge Alfred M. Wolin ) (nr) (Entered: 06/30/1998)

PACER
35 July 15, 1998

Minute entry: Proceedings recorded by Ct−Reporter: n; Minutes of: 07.15.98; The following actions were taken, Pretrial conferenc. Pursuant to 65(a)(21) consolidation of hrg. with trial on merits, shall be decided pursuant to Rule 78 By Judge Alfred M. Wolin (nr) (Entered: 07/17/1998)

PACER
36 July 22, 1998

OPINION (Copy to NJLJ) ( signed by Judge Alfred M. Wolin ) (nr) (Entered: 07/23/1998)

PACER
38 July 22, 1998

Letter Opinion amending opinion of 6−29−98 ( signed by Judge Alfred M. Wolin ) (nr) (Entered: 07/23/1998)

PACER
July 23, 1998

Case closed (nr) (Entered: 07/23/1998)

PACER
39 July 29, 1998

Partial payment fee as to RICHARD WATERMAN Receipt No. 0252921 Amount Paid $ 25.00 Subtotal $ 150.00 (nr) Modified on 08/14/1998 (Entered: 07/30/1998)

PACER
40 July 29, 1998

RETURN OF SERVICE executed as to PETER VERNIERO 7/10/98 Answer due on 7/30/98 for PETER VERNIERO (nr) (Entered: 07/30/1998)

PACER
41 Aug. 11, 1998

ORDER permanently enjoining defts. form prohibting the inmate population of Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center from possessing and viewing recreational movies, etc. ( signed by Judge Alfred M. Wolin ) (nr) (Entered: 08/13/1998)

PACER
43 Aug. 21, 1998

NOTICE OF APPEAL filed at 8:30a.m. by PETER VERNIERO, JACK TERHUNE, WILLIAM PLANTIER Re: [37−1] order . Fee Status: $105.00. Copies of notice of appeal sent to USCA and Attorney(s): RONALD LEE BOLLHEIMER, LAWRENCE S. LUSTBERG, MICHAEL CURTIS, RICHARD WATERMAN (nr) (Entered: 08/21/1998)

PACER
Aug. 21, 1998

Record complete for purposes of appeal. (nr) (Entered: 08/21/1998)

PACER
Aug. 21, 1998

Record on appeal sent to U.S. Court of Appeals: [43−1] appeal (nr) (Entered: 08/21/1998)

PACER
44 Aug. 28, 1998

NOTICE of Docketing ROA from USCA Re: [43−1] appeal USCA NUMBER: 98−6261 (jd) (Entered: 08/28/1998)

PACER
45 Sept. 4, 1998

Transcript Purchase Order RE: [43−1] appeal; indicating none (sr) (Entered: 09/04/1998)

PACER
Sept. 30, 1998

Record return from USCA (nr) (Entered: 09/30/1998)

PACER
46 Oct. 8, 1998

Letter Order postponing decision on pltf's application for attorney's fees pending decision on appeal ( signed by Mag. Judge Joel A. Pisano ) (nr) (Entered: 10/09/1998)

PACER
47 July 1, 1999

Certified Copy Of Order from the USCA substituting John Farmer Jr. as Attorney General in place of Peter Verniero (nr) (Entered: 07/02/1999)

PACER
48 Aug. 9, 1999

Copy to OPINION from USCA (nr) (Entered: 08/10/1999)

PACER
49 Aug. 9, 1999

ORDER on Mandate from USCA reversing and remanding action to USDC for further proceeding with costs (nr) (Entered: 08/10/1999)

PACER
50 Aug. 30, 1999

ORDER on mandate reversing and remanding action to USDC for further proceedings, etc. ( signed by Judge Alfred M. Wolin ) (nr) (Entered: 09/01/1999)

PACER
51 Sept. 30, 1999

LETTER By RICHARD WATERMAN in further support of pltf's application for attorney's fees (nr) (Entered: 10/07/1999)

PACER
52 Oct. 25, 1999

AFFIDAVIT of Karen J. Wells in support of defts' opposition to plft's application for attorney's fees (nr) (Entered: 10/26/1999)

PACER
53 Oct. 25, 1999

AFFIDAVIT of MARILYN GILL in opposition to pltf's application for attorney's fees (nr) (Entered: 10/26/1999)

PACER
54 March 1, 2000

OPINION ( signed by Judge Alfred M. Wolin *** (nr) (Entered: 03/06/2000)

Clearinghouse
55 March 3, 2000

ORDER denying plts. application for attorney fees and costs ( signed by Judge Alfred M. Wolin ) (nr) (Entered: 03/06/2000)

PACER
56 March 20, 2000

NOTICE of APPEAL by RICHARD WATERMAN, MICHAEL CURTIS of Magistrate decision to District Court RE: [55−1] order Hearing on magistrate appeal set for 4/24/00 (nr) (Entered: 03/21/2000)

PACER
58 Aug. 30, 2000

Substitute attorney for JACK TERHUNE, WILLIAM PLANTIER ; Terminated attorney RONALD L. BOLLHEIMER for WILLIAM PLANTIER, attorney RONALD L. BOLLHEIMER for JACK TERHUNE, attorney RONALD L. BOLLHEIMER for PETER VERNIERO ; Added, DAVID M. RAGONESE (nr) (Entered: 08/31/2000)

PACER
59 Sept. 27, 2000

Copy of Certified Copy Of Order from the USCA (amending cost) Cost taxed against the appellees/dfts and in favor the appellants/pltfs in the amount of $598.40. (DS) (Entered: 09/28/2000)

PACER
60 Oct. 5, 2000

ORDER on mandate reversing and remanding action to USDC and entering judgment for $598.40 in favor of defts. Peter Verniero, Jack Terhune and William Plantier and against pltfs. Richard Waterman and Michael Curtis ( signed by Judge Alfred M. Wolin ) (nr) Modified on 10/06/2000 (Entered: 10/06/2000)

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory:

New Jersey

Case Type(s):

Prison Conditions

Key Dates

Filing Date: April 24, 1998

Closing Date: 2000

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Two prisoners at a New Jersey facility for sex offenders

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: Yes

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Denied

Defendants

State

State of New Jersey

Defendant Type(s):

Corrections

Jurisdiction-wide

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

State law

Constitutional Clause(s):

Freedom of speech/association

Other Dockets:

District of New Jersey 2:98-cv-01938

District of New Jersey 2:98-cv-01398

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit 98-06261

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Defendant

Relief Granted:

None

Source of Relief:

None

Content of Injunction:

Discrimination Prohibition

Preliminary relief denied

Preliminary relief granted

Amount Defendant Pays: 598.40

Recommended Citation