Case: Sims v. California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation

RG16838951 | California state trial court

Filed Date: Nov. 15, 2016

Case Ongoing

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Case Summary

On November 15, 2016, two condemned inmates and the ACLU of Northern California sued the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). The plaintiffs, represented by ACLU lawyers and private counsel, brought this case under California Code Civil Procedure § 527A for a writ of mandate along with declaratory and injunctive relief. The plaintiff alleged that the California Penal Code § 3604 violated the Separation of Powers Clause in Article III of the California Constitution by allowing an agency (the CDCR) to make controversial policy decisions about lethal injection protocols. The plaintiffs further alleged that the defendants were illegally expending public funds by performing their duties in violation of the statute. The plaintiffs asked the court to prohibit CDCR from implementing any execution protocol until the statute addressed the separation of powers policy issues. They also sought attorney's fees pursuant to California Code Civil Procedure 1021.5.

The plaintiffs' ultimate goal was to obtain a declaration that Penal Code § 3604 removed difficult and fundamental policy decisions from the political and legislative process with the result that some of these issues have not been consciously evaluated. One of the largest problems cited in the complaint was that the CDCR's new lethal injection protocol reflected the agency's prioritization of convenience over competing policy goals and also haphazard decision making on policy issues.

As of March 11, 2017, the case is still ongoing.

Summary Authors

Abigail DeHart (3/11/2017)

People

Judge(s)

Adams, Verna A. (California)

D'Opal, Faye (California)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Brown, Donald W. (California)

Lye, Linda (California)

Attorney for Defendant

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Hile, Norman C. (California)

Judge(s)

Adams, Verna A. (California)

D'Opal, Faye (California)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Brown, Donald W. (California)

Lye, Linda (California)

Waldo, Julian Y (California)

Attorney for Defendant

Quinn, Michael James (California)

Other

Hile, Norman C. (California)

Norman, Jan B. (California)

Scheidegger, Kent S. (California)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

16-838951	Verified Petition for Writ of Mandate and Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief: Violation of California Constitution	Nov. 15, 2016	Nov. 15, 2016 Complaint

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Resources

Resources related to this case
Title	Description		External URL Date / External URL
Sims v. CDCR (California Death Penalty) ACLU	The ACLU Foundation of Northern California and the law firm of Covington & Burling LLP filed a lawsuit challenging a law that gives unlimited discretion over executions to the California Department o…	November 10, 2016	Nov. 10, 2016 https://www.aclunc.org/...

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Docket

Last updated Jan. 31, 2024, 4:51 p.m.

ECF Number	Date	Description
33636241	Nov. 15, 2016	Complaint - Other Filed - Document: pages 30, price $17.5(Document Cost: $17.50)
33636249	Nov. 15, 2016	Civil Case Cover Sheet Filed for Mitchell Sims - Document: pages 2, price $2.0(Document Cost: $2.00)
33636250	Nov. 15, 2016	Summons on Complaint Issued and Filed - Document: pages 1, price $1.0(Document Cost: $1.00)
	Nov. 15, 2016	Complex Designation Requested
33640346	Nov. 16, 2016	Case Management Conference 01/17/2017 03:00 PM D- 30 - Document: pages 1, price $0.0
33686906	Dec. 1, 2016	Proof of Service on Complaint As to California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Filed - Document: pages 2, price $2.0(Document Cost: $2.00)
33687575	Dec. 1, 2016	Proof of Service on Complaint As to Scott Kernan Filed - Document: pages 2, price $2.0(Document Cost: $2.00)
	Dec. 13, 2016	Hearing Reset to Case Management Conference 02/03/2017 09:16 AM D- 30
33747441	Dec. 16, 2016	Demurrer to Complaint Filed by Scott Kernan, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation - Document: pages 103, price $40.0(Document Cost: $40.00)
	Dec. 16, 2016	Demurrer to Complaint Hearing Confirmed for 02/03/2017 09:31 AM D- 30
33794303	Jan. 6, 2017	Proof of Personal Service on Complaint - Other As to California Department of Corrections and Rehabi - Document: pages 2, price $2.0(Document Cost: $2.00)
33794305	Jan. 6, 2017	Proof of Personal Service on Complaint - Other As to California Department of Corrections and Rehabi - Document: pages 2, price $2.0(Document Cost: $2.00)
33800106	Jan. 9, 2017	Proof of Service Alternative Dispute Resolution Packet Filed - Document: pages 2, price $2.0(Document Cost: $2.00)
33827146	Jan. 17, 2017	Opposition to demurrer to petition for writ of mandate Filed - Document: pages 21, price $13.0(Document Cost: $13.00)
33827151	Jan. 17, 2017	Proof of Service Filed - Document: pages 2, price $2.0(Document Cost: $2.00)
33838023	Jan. 19, 2017	Case Management Statement of Mitchell Sims, Michael Morales, American Civil Liberties Union of North - Document: pages 9, price $7.0(Document Cost: $7.00)
33838039	Jan. 19, 2017	Proof of Service Filed - Document: pages 2, price $2.0(Document Cost: $2.00)
33838047	Jan. 19, 2017	Proof of Service Filed - Document: pages 2, price $2.0(Document Cost: $2.00)
33842527	Jan. 20, 2017	Case Management Statement of Scott Kernan, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation F - Document: pages 6, price $5.5(Document Cost: $5.50)
33866513	Jan. 26, 2017	Complex Determination Hearing 02/21/2017 03:00 PM D- 30 - Document: pages 2, price $2.0(Document Cost: $2.00)
33866519	Jan. 26, 2017	Hearing Reset to Case Management Conference 03/07/2017 03:00 PM D- 30 - Document: pages 2, price $0.0
33866524	Jan. 26, 2017	Hearing Reset to Demurrer to Complaint 03/07/2017 03:45 PM D- 24 - Document: pages 1, price $1.0(Document Cost: $1.00)
	Jan. 26, 2017	Complex Determination Hearing set on Court's Own Motion
33870764	Jan. 27, 2017	Reply Filed - Document: pages 15, price $10.0(Document Cost: $10.00)
33889617	Feb. 2, 2017	Notice of Appearance Filed - Document: pages 3, price $3.0(Document Cost: $3.00)
33901709	Feb. 6, 2017	Proof of Service by Mail Filed - Document: pages 2, price $2.0(Document Cost: $2.00)
33953157	Feb. 21, 2017	Notice of Judicial Reassignment for All Purposes Issued - Document: pages 5, price $5.0(Document Cost: $5.00)
33957343	Feb. 21, 2017	Miscellaneous Attendance Sheet Filed - Document: pages 1, price $1.0(Document Cost: $1.00)
33961358	Feb. 21, 2017	Complex Determination Hearing Commenced and Completed - Document: pages 1, price $1.0(Document Cost: $1.00)
33961359	Feb. 21, 2017	Motion Denied - Document: pages 2, price $2.0(Document Cost: $2.00)
33973695	Feb. 27, 2017	Order Vacating 2/21/17 Notice of Assignment for All Purposes Filed - Document: pages 2, price $2.0(Document Cost: $2.00)
33974193	Feb. 28, 2017	Hearing Reset to Demurrer to Complaint 03/07/2017 09:00 AM D- 511 - Document: pages 2, price $2.0(Document Cost: $2.00)
	Feb. 28, 2017	Hearing Reset to Case Management Conference 03/07/2017 09:00 AM D- 511
	March 2, 2017	Hearing Reset to Civil Law and Motion 03/07/2017 09:00 AM D- 519
34001291	March 7, 2017	Case Management Conference Commenced and Completed - Document: pages 1, price $0.0
34001292	March 7, 2017	Case Management Conference Order Issued - Document: pages 2, price $0.0
	March 7, 2017	Hearing Reset to Demurrer to Complaint 04/24/2017 09:00 AM D- 511
	March 7, 2017	Case Management Conf Continuance 04/24/2017 09:00 AM D- 511
34086419	March 30, 2017	Order Requesting Briefing and (Tenative) Order on Merits of Demurrer Filed - Document: pages 18, price $11.5(Document Cost: $11.50)
34097491	April 4, 2017	Case Management Statement of Scott Kernan, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation F - Document: pages 6, price $5.5(Document Cost: $5.50)
34116136	April 7, 2017	Brief in Opposition (Supplemental) Filed - Document: pages 10, price $7.5(Document Cost: $7.50)
34121175	April 10, 2017	Case Management Statement of Mitchell Sims, Michael Morales, American Civil Liberties Union of North - Document: pages 5, price $5.0(Document Cost: $5.00)
34121180	April 10, 2017	Proof of Service by Mail Case Management Statement Filed - Document: pages 2, price $2.0(Document Cost: $2.00)
34141518	April 14, 2017	Reply Brief in Support of Motion Filed - Document: pages 7, price $6.0(Document Cost: $6.00)
	April 21, 2017	Hearing Reset to Demurrer to Complaint 04/24/2017 09:00 AM D- 519
34168104	April 24, 2017	Case Management Conference Commenced and Continued - Document: pages 1, price $0.0
34168315	April 24, 2017	Civil Law and Motion Hearing Commenced and Continued - Document: pages 1, price $1.0(Document Cost: $1.00)
34168316	April 24, 2017	Demurrer to Complaint - Motion Rescheduled - Document: pages 2, price $2.0(Document Cost: $2.00)
	April 24, 2017	Hearing Continued to Civil Law and Motion dept: 511 date: 05/04/2017 time: 09:00 AM
	April 24, 2017	Hearing Continued to Case Management Conf Continuance dept: 511 date: 05/04/2017 time: 09:00 AM
34208655	May 4, 2017	Civil Law and Motion Hearing Commenced and Completed - Document: pages 1, price $1.0(Document Cost: $1.00)
34208656	May 4, 2017	Demurrer to Complaint Taken Under Submission - Document: pages 1, price $1.0(Document Cost: $1.00)
34210215	May 4, 2017	Case Management Conference Commenced and Completed - Document: pages 1, price $0.0
34210216	May 4, 2017	Case Management Conference Order Issued - Document: pages 2, price $0.0
	May 4, 2017	Case Management Conf Continuance 06/08/2017 09:00 AM D- 511
34228655	May 9, 2017	Demurrer Sustained W/O Leave to Amend As To Matter - Document: pages 27, price $16.0(Document Cost: $16.00)
34330035	June 8, 2017	Letter from Covington & Burling LLP dated June 8, 2017 Filed - Document: pages 1, price $1.0(Document Cost: $1.00)
34330045	June 8, 2017	Proposed Judgment Filed - Document: pages 4, price $4.0(Document Cost: $4.00)
34363113	June 15, 2017	Judgment Dismissal Filed - Document: pages 2, price $2.0(Document Cost: $2.00)
34363132	June 15, 2017	Judgment Entered - Document: pages 2, price $2.0(Document Cost: $2.00)
34365119	June 16, 2017	Judgment Dismissal Filed - Document: pages 3, price $3.0(Document Cost: $3.00)
34365147	June 20, 2017	Judgment Entered - Document: pages 3, price $3.0(Document Cost: $3.00)
34368337	June 20, 2017	Notice of Appeal Filed by Mitchell Sims, Michael Morales, American Civil Liberties Union of Northern - Document: pages 1, price $1.0(Document Cost: $1.00)
34370697	June 20, 2017	Proof of Service by Mail Filed - Document: pages 2, price $2.0(Document Cost: $2.00)
34371554	June 21, 2017	Notice to Attorney re Notice of Appeal Filed - Document: pages 2, price $2.0(Document Cost: $2.00)
34382627	June 23, 2017	Proof of Service by Mail Filed - Document: pages 2, price $2.0(Document Cost: $2.00)
34390833	June 27, 2017	Receipt for Notice of Appeal by DCA Filed - Document: pages 1, price $1.0(Document Cost: $1.00)
34394538	June 28, 2017	Notice to Attorney re Notice of Appeal Filed - Document: pages 1, price $1.0(Document Cost: $1.00)
34396582	June 28, 2017	Designation of Record Filed - Document: pages 4, price $4.0(Document Cost: $4.00)
34396583	June 28, 2017	Proof of Service by Mail Filed - Document: pages 2, price $2.0(Document Cost: $2.00)
34396598	June 28, 2017	Billing Notice Filed - Document: pages 2, price $2.0(Document Cost: $2.00)
34415204	July 5, 2017	Memorandum of Costs (Summary) Filed for Mitchell Sims, Michael Morales, American Civil Liberties Uni - Document: pages 2, price $2.0(Document Cost: $2.00)
34420495	July 6, 2017	Notice to Court Reporter to Prepare Transcripts Filed - Document: pages 1, price $1.0(Document Cost: $1.00)
34421882	July 6, 2017	Returned Mail: Notice to Atty Re: Notice of Appeal Filed - Document: pages 1, price $1.0(Document Cost: $1.00)
34522816	Aug. 4, 2017	Notice of Certification of Record Filed - Document: pages 2, price $2.0(Document Cost: $2.00)
34542876	Aug. 10, 2017	Receipt for Record on Appeal of Mitchell Sims Filed - Document: pages 1, price $1.0(Document Cost: $1.00)
34700205	Sept. 22, 2017	Amended Judgment Filed - Document: pages 2, price $2.0(Document Cost: $2.00)
34700222	Sept. 22, 2017	Judgment Entered - Document: pages 2, price $2.0(Document Cost: $2.00)
36705123	April 22, 2019	Remittitur Filed - Document: pages 14, price $9.5(Document Cost: $9.50)

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Case Details

State / Territory:

California

Case Type(s):

Criminal Justice (Other)

Key Dates

Filing Date: Nov. 15, 2016

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Two condemned inmates of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the ACLU of Northern California.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Non-profit NON-religious organization

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

ACLU Affiliates (any)

ACLU of Northern California

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

State

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Defendant Type(s):

Corrections

Case Details

Causes of Action:

State law

Other Dockets:

California state trial court RG16838951

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General/Misc.:

Conflict of interest

Death Penalty:

Lethal Injection - General

Affected Sex/Gender(s):

Male

Recommended Citation

Case Summary of Sims v. California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation, Civil Rights Litig. Clearinghouse, https://clearinghouse.net/case/15654/ (last updated 3/11/2017).