Case: Freedom from Religion Foundation v. Geithner

2:09-cv-02894 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California

Filed Date: Oct. 16, 2009

Closed Date: 2011

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On October 16, 2009, the Freedom From Religion Foundation and several individuals filed a complaint in the Eastern District of California against Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner, IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman, and California Franchise Tax Board Executive Selvi Stanislaus for violating the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Plaintiffs sought a declaration under 28 U.S.C. § 2201 that 26 U.S.C. §§107 and 265(a)(6) violated the Establishment Clause …

On October 16, 2009, the Freedom From Religion Foundation and several individuals filed a complaint in the Eastern District of California against Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner, IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman, and California Franchise Tax Board Executive Selvi Stanislaus for violating the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Plaintiffs sought a declaration under 28 U.S.C. § 2201 that 26 U.S.C. §§107 and 265(a)(6) violated the Establishment Clause by providing preferential tax benefits to ministers of the gospel.

Section 107 provides a tax exclusion for the rental value of a home furnished to a minister as part of his compensation or the rental allowance paid to him as part of his compensation. In order to qualify for this exclusion, the home or rental allowance must be provided as remuneration for services which are "ordinarily the duties of a minister of the gospel." Section 265(a)(6) allowed a minister of the gospel to claim deductions for residential mortgage interest and property taxes. Plaintiffs requested that the Court enjoin any allowance or grant of tax benefits for ministers of the gospel under §§107 and 265(a)(6). Plaintiffs also sought an injunction against the California Franchise Tax Board for sections 17131.6 and 17280(d)(2) of the California Revenue and Taxation Code, which provided similar tax benefits to ministers of the gospel.

On October 22, 2009, an individual named pastor and 100 unnamed ministers moved to intervene in the action. On December 2, 2009, the District Court (Judge William B. Shubb) denied the requests to intervene on grounds the movants' interests were adequately represented by the federal defendants, and that they failed to show independent grounds for jurisdiction. Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. v. Geithner, 262 F.R.D. 527 (2009).

The federal defendants and Selvi Stanislaus filed separate Motions to Dismiss on February 26, 2010. On May 21, 2010, Judge Shubb granted Stanislaus' motion to dismiss with respect to plaintiffs' claims under the California constitution and plaintiffs' claims challenging California Revenue and Taxation Code section 17280(d)(2), and denied the motion in all other respects. Judge Shubb further denied the federal defendants' motion to dismiss with respect to plaintiff's claim challenging Internal Revenue Code § 107 and granted the motion with respect to plaintiff's claim challenging Internal Revenue Code § 265(a)(6).

The Pastors appealed the denial of the Motion to Intervene to the 9th Circuit. On May 9, 2011, the 9th Circuit affirmed the District Court's denial of the motion for intervention as of right but vacated the denial of the motion for permissive intervention. The 9th Circuit explained that the District Court did not apply the correct legal rule; the Pastors were not required to make any further showing of independent jurisdictional grounds.

On May 26, 2011, the federal defendants filed a motion challenging plaintiffs' standing in light of Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization v. Winn, 131 S.Ct. 1436 (2011). On May 27, 2011, Selvi Stanislaus filed a motion for judgment on the pleadings on the same grounds. In Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization v. Winn, filed on April 4, 2011, the Supreme Court held that taxpayers lacked standing to bring an Establishment Clause claim on Arizona's tuition tax credit.

On June 17, 2011, the parties jointly submitted a Stipulation of Dismissal to the Court and the matter was dismissed without prejudice on June 20, 2011.

Summary Authors

David Priddy (6/24/2011)

Samantha Kirby (10/20/2014)

Related Cases

Freedom from Religion Foundation v. Geithner, Western District of Wisconsin (2011)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4160157/parties/freedom-from-religion-foundation-v-geithner/


Judge(s)

Drozd, Dale Alan (California)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Bolton, Richard L. (Wisconsin)

Attorney for Defendant
Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Campbell, Tena (Utah)

Dale, Ivan C. (District of Columbia)

DiCiccio, John A. (District of Columbia)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

2:09-cv-02894

Docket

Freedom From Religion Foundation v. Geithner

July 5, 2011

July 5, 2011

Docket
1

2:09-cv-02894

Complaint

Freedom From Religion Foundation v. Geithner

Oct. 16, 2009

Oct. 16, 2009

Complaint
7

2:09-cv-02894

Memorandum in Support of Motion to Intervene

Freedom From Religion Foundation v. Geithner

Oct. 22, 2009

Oct. 22, 2009

Pleading / Motion / Brief
21

2:09-cv-02894

Memorandum and Order Re: Motion to Intervene

Freedom From Religion Foundation v. Geithner

Dec. 2, 2009

Dec. 2, 2009

Order/Opinion

262 F.R.D. 527

6

2:09-17753

Brief of Appellant

Freedom From Religion Foundation v. Geithner

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

March 26, 2010

March 26, 2010

Pleading / Motion / Brief

2010 WL 2861340

11

2:09-17753

Brief For the Federal Appellees

Freedom From Religion Foundation v. Geithner

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

May 10, 2010

May 10, 2010

Pleading / Motion / Brief

2010 WL 2861339

17

2:09-17753

Reply Brief of Appellant

Freedom From Religion Foundation v. Geithner

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

May 24, 2010

May 24, 2010

Pleading / Motion / Brief

2010 WL 2861338

89

2:09-cv-02894

9th Circuit Opinion

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

May 9, 2011

May 9, 2011

Order/Opinion

644 F.3d 836

87

2:09-cv-02894

Order on Stipulation of Dismissal

Freedom from Religion Foundation, Inc. v. Geithner

June 17, 2011

June 17, 2011

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4160157/freedom-from-religion-foundation-v-geithner/

Last updated Aug. 24, 2026, 7:06 p.m.

Docket for: Freedom from Religion Foundation v. Geithner
ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Oct. 16, 2009

COMPLAINT against all defendants by all plfs.(Newdow, Michael) Modified on 10/16/2009 (Benson, A.). (Entered: 10/16/2009)

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3 Oct. 16, 2009

SUMMONS ISSUED as to *Timothy Geithner, Douglas Shulman* with answer to complaint due within *60* days. Attorney *Michael Arthur Newdow* *Michael Newdow, Esq.* *P.O. Box 233345* *Sacramento, CA 95823*. (Benson, A.) (Entered: 10/16/2009)

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4 Oct. 16, 2009

SUMMONS ISSUED as to *Selvi Stanislaus* with answer to complaint due within *20* days. Attorney *Michael Arthur Newdow* *Michael Newdow, Esq.* *P.O. Box 233345* *Sacramento, CA 95823*. (Benson, A.) (Entered: 10/16/2009)

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5 Oct. 16, 2009

CIVIL NEW CASE DOCUMENTS ISSUED; Initial Scheduling Conference set for 03/22/10 at 02:00 PM in Courtroom 5 (WBS) before Judge William B. Shubb. (Attachments: # 1 Consent Forms, # 2 VDRP Forms) (Benson, A.) (Entered: 10/16/2009)

1 Consent Forms

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2 VDRP Forms

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Oct. 16, 2009

RECEIPT number #CAE200020815 $350.00 fbo Freedom from Religion Foundati by Michael Newdow on 10/16/2009. (Benson, A.)

6 Oct. 22, 2009

MOTION to INTERVENE by Michael Rodgers. Motion Hearing set for 11/23/09 at 02:00 PM in Courtroom 5 (WBS) before Judge William B. Shubb. (McReynolds, Matthew) (Entered: 10/22/2009)

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7 Oct. 22, 2009

MEMORANDUM by Michael Rodgers in support of 6 Motion to Intervene. (McReynolds, Matthew) Modified on 10/23/2009 (Benson, A.). (Entered: 10/22/2009)

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8 Oct. 22, 2009

DECLARATION of Pastor Michael Rodgers in support of 6 Motion to Intervene. (McReynolds, Matthew) Modified on 10/23/2009 (Benson, A.). (Entered: 10/22/2009)

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9 Oct. 22, 2009

DECLARATION of Matthew McReynolds in support of 6 Motion to Intervene. (McReynolds, Matthew) Modified on 10/23/2009 (Benson, A.). (Entered: 10/22/2009)

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10 Oct. 22, 2009

PROPOSED ORDER re 6 Motion to Intervene by Michael Rodgers. (McReynolds, Matthew) Modified on 10/23/2009 (Benson, A.). (Entered: 10/22/2009)

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11 Oct. 22, 2009

CERTIFICATE of SERVICE by Michael Rodgers 6 Motion to Intervene, 7 Memorandum in Support, 8 Declaration, 9 Declaration and 10 Proposed Order. (McReynolds, Matthew) Modified on 10/23/2009 (Benson, A.). (Entered: 10/22/2009)

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12 Oct. 22, 2009

CORRECTED 10 PROPOSED ORDER re 6 Motion to Intervene by Michael Rodgers. (McReynolds, Matthew) Modified on 10/23/2009 (Benson, A.). (Entered: 10/22/2009)

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13 Oct. 23, 2009

DECLARATION of MATTHEW MCREYNOLDS--SUPPLEMENTAL WITH EXHIBIT in SUPPORT OF 6 Motion to Intervene. (McReynolds, Matthew) (Entered: 10/23/2009)

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14 Oct. 29, 2009

CERTIFICATE of SERVICE by Michael Rodgers re 8 Declaration, 9 Declaration, 12 Proposed Order, 11 Certificate of Service, 7 Memorandum in Support of Motion, 6 Motion to Intervene, 13 Declaration. (McReynolds, Matthew) (Entered: 10/29/2009)

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15 Nov. 5, 2009

PROPOSED ORDER re 8 Declaration, 9 Declaration, 12 Proposed Order, 11 Certificate of Service, 7 Memorandum in Support of Motion, 6 Motion to Intervene, 13 Declaration by Anthony Arlen, Elisabeth Steadman, William M. Shockley, Charles Crannell, Collette Crannell, Freedom from Religion Foundation, Inc., Mike Osborne, Kristi Craven, Paul Ellcessor, Joseph Rittell, Wendy Corby, Pat Kelley, Carey Goldstein, Debora Smith, Kathy Fields, Richard Moore, Paul Storey, Susan Robinson, Ken Nahigian, Billy Ferguson, Karen Buchanan, Joseph Morrow. (Newdow, Michael) (Entered: 11/05/2009)

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16 Nov. 6, 2009

OPPOSITION by United States of America to 6 Motion to Intervene. Attorney Hendon, Jeremy Nolan added. (Hendon, Jeremy) (Entered: 11/06/2009)

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17 Nov. 13, 2009

ORDER signed by Judge William B. Shubb on 11/13/09 ORDERING that pltfs' counsel may appear telephonically for the Motion Hearing set for 11/23/09 at 02:00 PM in Courtroom 5 (WBS) before Judge William B. Shubb; the CRD shall initiate the teleconference. (Manzer, C)

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18 Nov. 16, 2009

REPLY by Michael Rodgers in SUPPORT of MOTION TO INTERVINE 6 . (McReynolds, Matthew) Modified on 11/19/2009 (Mena-Sanchez, L). (Entered: 11/16/2009)

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19 Nov. 23, 2009

MINUTES (Text Only) for proceedings held before Judge William B. Shubb: MOTION HEARING held on 11/23/2009 re 6 Intervenor Pastor Michael Rodgers' Motion to Intervene. Counsel argue. MOTION SUBMITTED. Court to issue separate order. Plaintiffs Counsel Michael Newdow, via phone present. Defendants Counsel Jeremy Hendon, Matthew McReynolds (intervenor) present. Court Reporter: Kathy Swinhart. (Kirksey Smith, K) (Entered: 11/23/2009)

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20 Nov. 25, 2009

EXHIBIT Supplemental Authority in Support of re 6 Motion to Intervene filed by Michael Rodgers. (McReynolds, Matthew) (Entered: 11/25/2009)

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21 Dec. 2, 2009

MEMORANDUM AND ORDER denying 6 Applicant's Motion to Intervene, signed by Judge William B. Shubb on 12/1/09. It is further ordered that the applicant's motion for leave to file a brief as amicus curiae be, is GRANTED. (Kastilahn, A)

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22 Dec. 7, 2009

PRO HAC VICE APPLICATION and PROPOSED ORDER submitted for attorney Richard Bolton to appear Pro Hac Vice. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Newdow, Michael) Modified on 12/9/2009 (Benson, A.). (Entered: 12/07/2009)

1 Exhibit

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Dec. 7, 2009

RECEIPT number #CAE200022057 $180.00 fbo Richard L Bolton by Michael A Newdow on 12/7/2009. (Kastilahn, A)

24 Dec. 9, 2009

NOTICE of APPEAL by Michael Rodgers as to 21 Order on Motion to Intervene. (Attachments: # 1 Statement Issues)(Snider, Kevin) (Entered: 12/09/2009)

1 Statement Issues

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26 Dec. 9, 2009

APPEAL PROCESSED to Ninth Circuit re 24 Notice of Appeal filed by Michael Rodgers. Filed dates for Notice of Appeal *12/09/09*, Complaint *10/16/09* and Appealed Order / Judgment *12/02/09*. Court Reporter: *Kathy Swinhart*. *Fee Status: Paid on 12/09/09 in the amount of $455.00* ** (Attachments: # 1 Appeal Notice) (Benson, A.) (Entered: 12/09/2009)

1 Appeal Notice

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Dec. 9, 2009

RECEIPT number #CAE200022136 $455.00 fbo Michael Rodgers by Kevin Trent Snider on 12/9/2009. (Mena-Sanchez, L)

27 Dec. 10, 2009

PRO HAC VICE ORDER signed by Judge William B. Shubb on 12/09/09. Added attorney Richard L. Bolton, PHV for Freedom from Religion Foundation, Inc. (Becknal, R) (Entered: 12/10/2009)

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28 Dec. 11, 2009

USCA CASE NUMBER 09-17753 for 24 Notice of Appeal filed by Michael Rodgers. (Engbretson, K.) (Entered: 12/11/2009)

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29 Dec. 17, 2009

STIPULATION for Order Extending Time for United States to File its Response to the Complaint by United States of America. (Hendon, Jeremy) (Entered: 12/17/2009)

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30 Dec. 17, 2009

PROPOSED ORDER re 29 Stipulation by United States of America. (Hendon, Jeremy) (Entered: 12/17/2009)

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31 Dec. 18, 2009

ORDER signed by Judge William B. Shubb on 12/17/09: The United States shall have up to, and including, February 26, 2010, within which to file a response to the Complaint. (Kaminski, H)

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32 Feb. 1, 2010

STIPULATION and PROPOSED ORDER for Extension of time for defendant Selvi Stanislaus to Respond to Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief by Selvi Stanislaus. Attorney Bowers, Jill added. (Bowers, Jill) (Entered: 02/01/2010)

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33 Feb. 2, 2010

ORDER re 32 Stipulation signed by Judge William B. Shubb on 02/02/10 ORDERING that dft Selvi Stanislaus' time to respond to the complaint is EXTENDED to 02/26/10. (Benson, A.)

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34 Feb. 16, 2010

DECLINE to PROCEED BEFORE US MAGISTRATE JUDGE by Selvi Stanislaus. (Bowers, Jill) (Entered: 02/16/2010)

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35 Feb. 22, 2010

DECLINE to PROCEED BEFORE US MAGISTRATE JUDGE by Anthony Arlen, Elisabeth Steadman, William M. Shockley, Charles Crannell, Collette Crannell, Freedom from Religion Foundation, Inc., Mike Osborne, Kristi Craven, Paul Ellcessor, Joseph Rittell, Wendy Corby, Pat Kelley, Carey Goldstein, Debora Smith, Kathy Fields, Richard Moore, Paul Storey, Susan Robinson, Ken Nahigian, Billy Ferguson, Karen Buchanan, Joseph Morrow. Attorney Bolton, Richard L. added. (Bolton, Richard) (Entered: 02/22/2010)

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36 Feb. 25, 2010

NOTICE of APPEARANCE by Richard Adam Schwartz, GOVT on behalf of United States of America. Attorney Schwartz, Richard Adam added. (Schwartz, Richard) (Entered: 02/25/2010)

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37 Feb. 25, 2010

NOTICE of APPEARANCE by Richard Adam Schwartz, GOVT on behalf of United States of America. (Schwartz, Richard) (Entered: 02/25/2010)

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38 Feb. 26, 2010

MOTION to DISMISS, MOTION to DISMISS for LACK of JURISDICTION ( Motion Hearing set for 3/29/2010 at 02:00 PM in Courtroom 5 (WBS) before Judge William B. Shubb.) by United States of America. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum Memorandum in Support of United States' Motion to Dismiss)(Schwartz, Richard) (Entered: 02/26/2010)

1 Memorandum Memorandum in Support of United States' Motion to Dismiss

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39 Feb. 26, 2010

MOTION to DISMISS by Selvi Stanislaus. Motion Hearing set for 3/29/2010 at 02:00 PM in Courtroom 5 (WBS) before Judge William B. Shubb. (Bowers, Jill) (Entered: 02/26/2010)

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40 Feb. 26, 2010

MEMORANDUM by Selvi Stanislaus in SUPPORT of 39 MOTION to DISMISS. (Bowers, Jill) (Entered: 02/26/2010)

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41 Feb. 26, 2010

MINUTE ORDER (TEXT ONLY): The parties are hereby notified that the Scheduling Conference is continued from 3/22/2010 to 5/3/2010 at 02:00 PM in Courtroom 5 (WBS) before Judge William B. Shubb, pending hearing on Defendant United States' Motion to Dismiss and Defendant Selvi Stanislaus' Motion to Dismiss, now set for hearing 3/29/2010. A Joint Status Report shall be filed no later than 4/19/2010. (Kirksey Smith, K) (Entered: 02/26/2010)

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42 March 12, 2010

STIPULATION for 42-DAY EXTENSION OF TIME for Change of Hearing Date re 39 MOTION to DISMISS by Anthony Arlen, Elisabeth Steadman, William M. Shockley, Charles Crannell, Collette Crannell, Freedom from Religion Foundation, Inc., Mike Osborne, Kristi Craven, Paul Ellcessor, Joseph Rittell, Wendy Corby, Pat Kelley, Carey Goldstein, Debora Smith, Kathy Fields, Richard Moore, Paul Storey, Susan Robinson, Ken Nahigian, Billy Ferguson, Karen Buchanan, Joseph Morrow. (Bolton, Richard) Modified on 3/12/2010 (Kirksey Smith, K). (Entered: 03/12/2010)

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43 March 16, 2010

STIPULATION and ORDER 42 , signed by Judge William B. Shubb on 3/15/2010: The hearing date on dfts' Motion to Dismiss 38 , 39 is hereby RESET from 3/29/2010 to 5/10/2010 at 02:00 PM in Courtroom 5 (WBS) before Judge William B. Shubb. (Kastilahn, A)

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44 March 16, 2010

NOTICE of HEARING on MOTION to DISMISS 38, 39 : Motion Hearing RESET from 3/29/2010 to 5/10/2010 at 02:00 PM in Courtroom 5 (WBS) before Judge William B. Shubb. (Kastilahn, A) (Entered: 03/16/2010)

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45 April 6, 2010

STIPULATION and PROPOSED ORDER for Continuance of Joint Status Report and Pretrial Scheduling Conference by United States of America. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Schwartz, Richard) (Entered: 04/06/2010)

1 Proposed Order

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46 April 8, 2010

STIPULATION and ORDER 45 , signed by Judge William B. Shubb on 4/6/10: The Scheduling Conference is CONT'D to 6/28/2010 at 02:00 PM in Courtroom 5 (WBS) before Judge William B. Shubb. The joint status report is DUE no later than 6/14/2010. (Kastilahn, A)

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47 April 20, 2010

OPPOSITION by plts to 38 US' MOTION to DISMISS . (Bolton, Richard) Modified on 4/21/2010 (Duong, D). (Entered: 04/20/2010)

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48 April 20, 2010

AFFIDAVIT of Richard L. Bolton 47 Opposition to Motion to Dismiss . (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3, # 4 Exhibits 4-8 # 5 Exhibits 9-15)(Bolton, Richard) Modified on 4/21/2010 (Duong, D). (Entered: 04/20/2010)

1 Exhibit 1

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2 Exhibit 2

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3 Exhibit 3

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4 Exhibits 4-8

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5 Exhibits 9-15

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49 April 23, 2010

OPPOSITION by Anthony Arlen, Elisabeth Steadman, William M. Shockley, Charles Crannell, Collette Crannell, Freedom from Religion Foundation, Inc., Mike Osborne, Kristi Craven, Paul Ellcessor, Joseph Rittell, Wendy Corby, Pat Kelley, Carey Goldstein, Debora Smith, Kathy Fields, Richard Moore, Paul Storey, Susan Robinson, Ken Nahigian, Billy Ferguson, Karen Buchanan, Joseph Morrow to 39 MOTION to DISMISS. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service)(Bolton, Richard) (Entered: 04/23/2010)

1 Certificate of Service

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50 May 3, 2010

REPLY by United States of America re 38 MOTION to DISMISS MOTION to DISMISS for LACK of JURISDICTION, 47 Memorandum, 1 Complaint. (Schwartz, Richard) (Entered: 05/03/2010)

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51 May 3, 2010

[DISREGARD] REPLY by Selvi Stanislaus to RESPONSE to 39 MOTION to DISMISS. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, B and C)(Bowers, Jill) Modified on 5/4/2010 (Becknal, R). (Entered: 05/03/2010)

1 Exhibit A, B and C

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52 May 3, 2010

OBJECTIONS by Defendant Selvi Stanislaus to 48 Affidavit. (Bowers, Jill) (Entered: 05/03/2010)

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53 May 4, 2010

RESPONSE by plfs to 51 Reply to Response to Motion. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Bolton, Richard) Modified on 5/5/2010 (Benson, A.). (Entered: 05/04/2010)

1 Exhibit

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54 May 4, 2010

CERTIFICATE of SERVICE of 53 Response,. (Bolton, Richard) Modified on 5/5/2010 (Benson, A.). (Entered: 05/04/2010)

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55 May 4, 2010

REPLY by Selvi Stanislaus to Response to 39 Motion to Dismiss. (Bowers, Jill) (Entered: 05/04/2010)

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56 May 4, 2010

[DISREGARD - COUNSEL TO REFILE WITH CAPTION PAGE] EXHIBIT A, B and C to Reply by Selvi Stanislaus re 55 Reply to Response to Motion. (Bowers, Jill) Modified on 5/5/2010 (Benson, A.). (Entered: 05/04/2010)

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57 May 5, 2010

EXHIBITS A, B and C by Selvi Stanislaus re 55 Reply to Response to Motion. (Bowers, Jill) Modified on 5/5/2010 (Benson, A.). (Entered: 05/05/2010)

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58 May 5, 2010

TRANSCRIPT of motion to intervene held on November 23, 2009, before Judge William B. Shubb, filed by Court Reporter Kathy Swinhart, Phone number 916-446-1347 E-mail kswinhart_csr@yahoo.com. Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter/Transcriber before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may also be obtained through PACER. Any Notice of Intent to Request Redaction must be filed within 5 court days. Redaction Request due 5/26/2010. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 6/7/2010. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 8/3/2010. (Swinhart, K) (Entered: 05/05/2010)

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59 May 10, 2010

MINUTES (Text Only) for proceedings held before Judge William B. Shubb: MOTION HEARING held on 5/10/2010 re 38 United States' MOTION to DISMISS and 39 Defendant Selvi Stanislaus' MOTION to DISMISS. Counsel argue. MOTIONS SUBMITTED. Court shall prepare and issue a separate order. Plaintiffs Counsel Richard Bolton present. Defendants Counsel Jeremy Hendon, DOJ, Richard Schwartz, DOJ, Jill Bowers present. Court Reporter: Kathy Swinhart. (Kirksey Smith, K) (Entered: 05/10/2010)

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60 May 13, 2010

REPLY by Anthony Arlen, Elisabeth Steadman, William M. Shockley, Charles Crannell, Collette Crannell, Freedom from Religion Foundation, Inc., Mike Osborne, Kristi Craven, Paul Ellcessor, Joseph Rittell, Wendy Corby, Pat Kelley, Carey Goldstein, Debora Smith, Kathy Fields, Richard Moore, Paul Storey, Susan Robinson, Ken Nahigian, Billy Ferguson, Karen Buchanan, Joseph Morrow re 53 Response. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Exhibit)(Bolton, Richard) (Entered: 05/13/2010)

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61 May 17, 2010

MOTION to STRIKE by United States of America. Motion Hearing set for 6/21/2010 at 02:00 PM in Courtroom 5 (WBS) before Judge William B. Shubb. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Schwartz, Richard) Modified on 5/17/2010 (Kaminski, H). (Entered: 05/17/2010)

1 Proposed Order to Strike

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62 May 21, 2010

MEMORANDUM and ORDER signed by Judge William B. Shubb on 5/21/2010 ORDERING that defendant Stanislaus's 39 motion to dismiss be, and the same hereby is, GRANTED with respect to plaintiffs' claims under the California constitution and with respect to plaintiffs' claim challenging California Revenue and Taxation Code section 17280 (d) (2) and DENIED in all other respects. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the federal defendants' 38 motion to dismiss be DENIED with respect to plaintiffs' claim challenging IRC 107 and GRANTED with respect to plaintiffs claim challenging IRC 265(a)(6). (Duong, D)

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63 June 4, 2010

JOINT MOTION for Order Extending Defendants' Time to Answer Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief by Selvi Stanislaus. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Proposed Order)(Bowers, Jill) Modified on 6/7/2010 (Kaminski, H). (Entered: 06/04/2010)

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2 Proposed Order

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64 June 14, 2010

JOINT STATUS REPORT by plfs . Attorney Bolton, Richard L. added. (Bolton, Richard) Modified on 6/15/2010 (Benson, A.). (Entered: 06/14/2010)

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65 June 15, 2010

ORDER signed by Judge William B. Shubb on 6/15/10: The Defendants shall have up to, and including, June 18, 2010, within which to file a response to the Complaint. (Kaminski, H)

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66 June 18, 2010

FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT against all defendants by Anthony Arlen, Elisabeth Steadman, William M. Shockley, Charles Crannell, Collette Crannell, Freedom from Religion Foundation, Inc., Mike Osborne, Kristi Craven, Paul Ellcessor, Joseph Rittell, Wendy Corby, Pat Kelley, Carey Goldstein, Debora Smith, Kathy Fields, Richard Moore, Paul Storey, Susan Robinson, Ken Nahigian, Billy Ferguson, Karen Buchanan, Joseph Morrow.(Bolton, Richard) (Entered: 06/18/2010)

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67 June 21, 2010

REQUEST for Permission to Appear Telephonically by United States of America re 64 Status Report filed by Pat Kelley, Carey Goldstein, Paul Storey, Freedom from Religion Foundation, Inc., Timothy Geithner, Ken Nahigian, Anthony Arlen, Wendy Corby, Karen Buchanan, Billy Ferguson, Richard Moore, Charles Crannell, Elisabeth Steadman, Selvi Stanislaus, Kathy Fields, Joseph Rittell, Mike Osborne, Susan Robinson, United States of America, William M. Shockley, Douglas Shulman, Kristi Craven, Paul Ellcessor, Collette Crannell, Joseph Morrow, Debora Smith. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Schwartz, Richard) (Entered: 06/21/2010)

1 Proposed Order

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68 June 21, 2010

REQUEST for Leave to Appear by Telephone by Anthony Arlen, Elisabeth Steadman, William M. Shockley, Charles Crannell, Collette Crannell, Freedom from Religion Foundation, Inc., Mike Osborne, Kristi Craven, Paul Ellcessor, Joseph Rittell, Wendy Corby, Pat Kelley, Carey Goldstein, Debora Smith, Kathy Fields, Richard Moore, Paul Storey, Susan Robinson, Ken Nahigian, Billy Ferguson, Karen Buchanan, Joseph Morrow. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Proposed Order to Allow Appearance by Telephone)(Bolton, Richard) (Entered: 06/21/2010)

1 Proposed Order Proposed Order to Allow Appearance by Telephone

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69 June 21, 2010

SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT against all defendants by Anthony Arlen, Elisabeth Steadman, William M. Shockley, Charles Crannell, Collette Crannell, Freedom from Religion Foundation, Inc., Mike Osborne, Kristi Craven, Paul Ellcessor, Joseph Rittell, Wendy Corby, Pat Kelley, Carey Goldstein, Debora Smith, Kathy Fields, Richard Moore, Paul Storey, Susan Robinson, Ken Nahigian, Billy Ferguson, Karen Buchanan, Joseph Morrow.(Bolton, Richard) (Entered: 06/21/2010)

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70 June 21, 2010

REQUEST for non-appearance or, in the alternative, telephonic appearance by Anthony Arlen, Elisabeth Steadman, William M. Shockley, Charles Crannell, Collette Crannell, Freedom from Religion Foundation, Inc., Mike Osborne, Kristi Craven, Paul Ellcessor, Joseph Rittell, Wendy Corby, Pat Kelley, Carey Goldstein, Debora Smith, Kathy Fields, Richard Moore, Paul Storey, Susan Robinson, Ken Nahigian, Billy Ferguson, Karen Buchanan, Joseph Morrow. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Proposed Order re-Newdow Appearance)(Newdow, Michael) (Entered: 06/21/2010)

1 Proposed Order Proposed Order re-Newdow Appearance

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71 June 24, 2010

SCHEDULING ORDER signed by Judge William B. Shubb on 06/22/10: Discovery due by 7/30/2010. Designation of Expert Witnesses due by 2/17/2011. Non-Dispositive Motions filed by 6/3/2011. Counsel shall file separate pretrial statements. Final Pretrial Conference set for 8/22/2011 at 02:00 PM in Courtroom 5 (WBS) before Judge William B. Shubb. Bench Trial set for 10/25/2011 at 09:00 AM in Courtroom 5 (WBS) before Judge William B. Shubb. (Williams, D) (Entered: 06/24/2010)

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72 June 30, 2010

[DISREGARD- SEE DOCUMENT 73 for Correct Image] ANSWER to AMENDED COMPLAINT for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief by Selvi Stanislaus.(Bowers, Jill) Modified on 7/2/2010 (Donati, J). (Entered: 06/30/2010)

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73 July 1, 2010

ANSWER to CORRECTED AMENDED COMPLAINT by Selvi Stanislaus.(Bowers, Jill) Modified on 7/8/2010 (Zignago, K.). (Entered: 07/01/2010)

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74 July 14, 2010

ANSWER to AMENDED COMPLAINT by United States of America.(Schwartz, Richard) (Entered: 07/14/2010)

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75 Jan. 19, 2011

JOINT MOTION to STAY by United States of America. Motion Hearing set for 2/14/2011 at 02:00 PM in Courtroom 5 (WBS) before Judge William B. Shubb. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order, # 2 Exhibit A)(Schwartz, Richard) Modified on 1/20/2011 (Kaminski, H). (Entered: 01/19/2011)

1 Proposed Order

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2 Exhibit A

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76 Jan. 19, 2011

MINUTE ORDER (TEXT ONLY): The parties are hereby notified that the 75 Joint Motion for Stay of Proceedings has been improperly noticed pursuant to Local Rule 230(b). The motion shall be heard on 2/28/2011 at 02:00 PM in Courtroom 5 (WBS) before Judge William B. Shubb. Counsel are instructed to immediately file and serve an amended notice of motion setting forth the above-referenced date and time, or the motion will be stricken. (Kirksey Smith, K) (Entered: 01/19/2011)

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77 Jan. 20, 2011

AMENDED NOTICE to RESCHEDULE HEARING on 75 MOTION to STAY : Motion Hearing set for 2/28/2011 at 02:00 PM in Courtroom 5 (WBS) before Judge William B. Shubb. (Schwartz, Richard) Modified on 1/21/2011 (Kaminski, H). (Entered: 01/20/2011)

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78 Feb. 2, 2011

REQUEST for Permission to Appear Telephonically by United States of America re 75 MOTION to STAY filed by United States of America, 77 Notice to Reschedule Hearing on Motion. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Schwartz, Richard) (Entered: 02/02/2011)

1 Proposed Order

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79 Feb. 8, 2011

ORDER signed by Judge William B. Shubb on 2/7/11 re 78 ORDERING that the request for telephonic appearance of counsel for the US at the hearing on the joint motion for stay of proceedings is GRANTED. Attorney Jeremy N. Hendon and Richard A. Schwartz may appear by telephone, upon the condition that an attorney from the United States Attorney's Office also appear in person at the hearing. (Duong, D) Modified on 2/9/2011 (Duong, D).

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80 Feb. 11, 2011

MINUTE ORDER (TEXT ONLY): On the Court's own motion, the parties are hereby notified that the 75 Joint Motion for Stay of Proceedings now set for 2/28/2011 is taken off calendar and under submission, no appearance is necessary. The Court shall issue a separate order. (Kirksey Smith, K) (Entered: 02/11/2011)

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81 Feb. 14, 2011

ORDER signed by Judge William B. Shubb on 2/11/11 GRANTING 75 Joint Motion to Stay; No later than 10 days following the issuance of the Supreme Court's decision in Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization v Winn, the parties shall file a joint status report with the court. Case stayed. (Matson, R)

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82 April 8, 2011

JOINT STATUS REPORT by United States of America. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Schwartz, Richard) (Entered: 04/08/2011)

1 Exhibit A

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83 April 21, 2011

ORDER signed by Judge William B. Shubb on 4/21/11 ORDERING that Discovery is due by 4/22/2011; Pretrial Motions filed by 6/3/2011; Motions challenging pltfs' standing in light of Winn filed by 5/27/2011; Oppositions filed by 6/17/11 and replies filed by 7/1/11; the Court grants the parties' request to continue the stay of all other proceedings until the forthcoming motions are resolved. (Manzer, C)

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84 May 9, 2011

USCA OPINION #09-17753, the judgment of the district court is AFFIRMED in PART, VACATED in PART and REMANDED; each side shall bear its own costs. re 24 Notice of Appeal filed by Michael Rodgers (Reader, L) (Entered: 05/09/2011)

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85 May 26, 2011

MOTION to DISMISS for LACK of JURISDICTION by United States of America. Motion Hearing set for 7/18/2011 at 02:00 PM in Courtroom 5 (WBS) before Judge William B. Shubb. (Attachments: # 1 Points and Authorities in Support of United States' Renewed Motion to Dismiss)(Hendon, Jeremy) (Entered: 05/26/2011)

1 Points and Authorities in Support of United States' Renewed Motion to Dismi

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86 May 27, 2011

MOTION for JUDGMENT on the Pleadings by Selvi Stanislaus. Motion Hearing set for 7/18/2011 at 02:00 PM in Courtroom 5 (WBS) before Judge William B. Shubb. (Attachments: # 1 Points and Authorities, # 2 Exhibit 1)(Bowers, Jill) (Entered: 05/27/2011)

1 Points and Authorities

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2 Exhibit 1

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87 June 17, 2011

STIPULATION and PROPOSED ORDER for Dismissal by United States of America. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Schwartz, Richard) (Entered: 06/17/2011)

1 Proposed Order

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88 June 20, 2011

ORDER DISMISSING CASE without prejudice per 87 Stipulation of Dismissal, signed by Judge William B. Shubb on 6/17/11. The parties are to bear their own respective costs, including attorney fees and other litigation expenses. CASE CLOSED (Kastilahn, A)

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89 July 5, 2011

MANDATE of USCA as to 24 Notice of Appeal; the 5/9/11 judgment of this court takes effect this date. (Manzer, C) (Entered: 07/05/2011)

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Case Details

State / Territory:

California

Case Type(s):

Speech and Religious Freedom

Special Collection(s):

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: Oct. 16, 2009

Closing Date: 2011

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Plaintiff is a non-profit organization that promotes the separation of church and state

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: Unknown

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Federal

United States Department of the Treasury

State

California Franchise Tax Board

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2201

Constitutional Clause(s):

Establishment Clause

Other Dockets:

Eastern District of California 2:09-cv-02894

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit 2:09-17753

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Granted:

None

Source of Relief:

None

Form of Settlement:

Voluntary Dismissal

Issues

General/Misc.:

Religious programs / policies

Recommended Citation