Case: Thomas v. Merrill

2:21-cv-01531 | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama

Filed Date: Nov. 16, 2021

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

The Southern Poverty Law Center, ACLU and NAACP Legal Defense Fund filed suit on behalf of four named plaintiffs and two organizational plaintiffs on November 15, 2021, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama alleging that new state legislative districts drawn in 2021 deliberately diminished the power of Black voters. Plaintiffs allege that the Alabama districts signed into law on November 4, 2021 violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment as wel…

The Southern Poverty Law Center, ACLU and NAACP Legal Defense Fund filed suit on behalf of four named plaintiffs and two organizational plaintiffs on November 15, 2021, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama alleging that new state legislative districts drawn in 2021 deliberately diminished the power of Black voters. Plaintiffs allege that the Alabama districts signed into law on November 4, 2021 violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment as well as Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act because they impermissibly packed Black voters living in the Montgomery area together into a single district thereby reducing those voters' representation in the state legislature. Plaintiffs sought to enjoin implementation of the disputed map and require drafting of a new map that does not pack Black voters into a single district in Montgomery. Plaintiffs requested a three-judge panel to hear the case.

The individual plaintiffs are four voters in Alabama who live in the gerrymandered districts. Organizational plaintiffs, Greater Birmingham Ministries (GBM) and Alabama N.A.A.C.P., were two non-profit membership organizations that, among other community work, register voters in Alabama. The organizational plaintiffs' members as well as the individual plaintiffs will be harmed by voting in the allegedly unconstitutional districts because they were placed in the districts on account of their race and the strength of their vote will be diluted due to relative populations in each district. Defendants are the Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill, responsible for certifying the results of state elections, and the Co-Chairs of the Alabama Permanent Legislative Committee on Reapportionment who prepared and developed the redistricting plans. 

On November 16, 2021, the case was assigned to a three judge panel of Judge Anna M. Manasco, Judge Corey L. Maze, and Judge Kevin C. Newsom. On December 8, 2021, plaintiffs sought the recusal of Judge Maze due to his past representation of defendant Alabama Secretary of State in a voting rights action brought by the organizational plaintiffs in this case. Defendants opposed the motion for recusal and on May 19, 2022, the Court rejected the motion because the prior case concerned a voter ID challenge and was substantially different from the redistricting issue presented here. Then, on March 21, 2022, the Court stayed the case pending the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on the constitutionality of Alabama's redistricting plan in Milligan v. Merrill

As of October 2nd, this case remains ongoing. 

Summary Authors

Anna Lennon (9/28/2022)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/61494209/parties/thomas-v-merrill/


Attorney for Plaintiff

Aden, Leah C (Alabama)

Carter, Brittany (Alabama)

Dunn, David (Alabama)

Attorney for Defendant

Bowdre, Alexander Barrett (Alabama)

Davis, James W (Alabama)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
45

2:21-cv-01531

Defendants' Response in Opposition to Motion for Recusal

Dec. 30, 2021

Dec. 30, 2021

Other
54

2:21-cv-01531

First Amended Complaint

Feb. 11, 2022

Feb. 11, 2022

Complaint
66

2:21-cv-01531

Order

May 19, 2022

May 19, 2022

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/61494209/thomas-v-merrill/

Last updated July 16, 2023, 3:02 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against All Defendants filed by Laquisha Chandler, Khadidah Stone, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, James Thomas, Evan Milligan.(DNW, ) (DNW, ). (Entered: 11/16/2021)

Nov. 16, 2021

Nov. 16, 2021

PACER
2

ORDER. The clerk shall transmit this order and a copy of the complaint to the Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, regarding empaneling a Three-Judge Panel. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 11/16/2021. (FNC) (Entered: 11/16/2021)

Nov. 16, 2021

Nov. 16, 2021

RECAP
3

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Laquisha Chandler, Khadidah Stone, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, James Thomas, Evan Milligan. Jim McClendon waiver sent on 11/15/2021, answer due 1/14/2022; Chris Pringle waiver sent on 11/15/2021, answer due 1/14/2022. (Lawsen, Nicki) (Entered: 11/16/2021)

Nov. 16, 2021

Nov. 16, 2021

PACER
4

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Laquisha Chandler, Khadidah Stone, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, James Thomas, Evan Milligan. John H. Merrill waiver sent on 11/16/2021, answer due 1/15/2022. (Lawsen, Nicki) (Entered: 11/16/2021)

Nov. 16, 2021

Nov. 16, 2021

PACER
5

ORDER DESIGNATION OF THREE-JUDGE COURT: I hereby designate District Judge Corey L. Maze and Circuit Judge Kevin C. Newsom to serve with the requesting judge, Judge Manasco, as members of the three-judge court to hear and decide the action.Signed by Judge William H. Pryor on 11/16/2021. (DNW, ) (Entered: 11/16/2021)

Nov. 16, 2021

Nov. 16, 2021

RECAP
6

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for Davin Rosborough and Julie A. Ebenstein by Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, Laquisha Chandler, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Evan Milligan, Khadidah Stone, James Thomas. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Davin Rosborough, # 2 Declaration of Julie A. Ebenstein)(Faulks, LaTisha) (Entered: 11/17/2021)

Nov. 17, 2021

Nov. 17, 2021

PACER
7

NOTICE of Appearance by James W Davis on behalf of John H. Merrill (Davis, James) (Entered: 11/17/2021)

Nov. 17, 2021

Nov. 17, 2021

PACER
8

NOTICE of Appearance by Misty Shawn Fairbanks Messick on behalf of John H. Merrill (Messick, Misty) (Entered: 11/17/2021)

Nov. 17, 2021

Nov. 17, 2021

PACER
9

NOTICE of Appearance by Andrew Reid Harris on behalf of John H. Merrill (Harris, Andrew) (Entered: 11/17/2021)

Nov. 17, 2021

Nov. 17, 2021

PACER
10

NOTICE of Appearance by Alexander Barrett Bowdre on behalf of John H. Merrill (Bowdre, Alexander) (Entered: 11/17/2021)

Nov. 17, 2021

Nov. 17, 2021

PACER
11

NOTICE of Appearance by Edmund Gerard LaCour on behalf of John H. Merrill (LaCour, Edmund) (Entered: 11/17/2021)

Nov. 17, 2021

Nov. 17, 2021

PACER
12

NOTICE of Appearance by Benjamin Matthew Seiss on behalf of John H. Merrill (Seiss, Benjamin) (Entered: 11/17/2021)

Nov. 17, 2021

Nov. 17, 2021

PACER
13

NOTICE of Appearance by J Dorman Walker on behalf of Jim McClendon, Chris Pringle (Walker, J) (Entered: 11/17/2021)

Nov. 17, 2021

Nov. 17, 2021

PACER
14

Corporate Disclosure Statement by John H. Merrill. filed by John H. Merrill (Davis, James) (Entered: 11/18/2021)

Nov. 18, 2021

Nov. 18, 2021

PACER
15

NOTICE of Appearance by Thomas Alexander Wilson on behalf of John H. Merrill (Wilson, Thomas) (Entered: 11/18/2021)

Nov. 18, 2021

Nov. 18, 2021

PACER
16

TEXT ORDER. Plaintiffs' Motion for Leave for Davin Rosborough and Julie Ebenstein to Appear Pro Hac Vice, Doc. 6, is GRANTED. Counsel are reminded that at least one attorney for each party may be required to be physically present at every hearing and status conference. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 11/18/2021. (FNC) (Entered: 11/18/2021)

Nov. 18, 2021

Nov. 18, 2021

PACER
17

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice by Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, Laquisha Chandler, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Evan Milligan, Khadidah Stone, James Thomas. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A-Certificate of Good Standing, # 2 Exhibit B-Declaration)(Jackson, Sidney) (Entered: 11/18/2021)

Nov. 18, 2021

Nov. 18, 2021

PACER
18

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for Michael L. Turrill by Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, Laquisha Chandler, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Evan Milligan, Khadidah Stone, James Thomas. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A-Certificate of Good Standing, # 2 Exhibit B-Declaration)(Jackson, Sidney) (Entered: 11/18/2021)

Nov. 18, 2021

Nov. 18, 2021

PACER
19

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for Harmony Gbe by Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, Laquisha Chandler, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Evan Milligan, Khadidah Stone, James Thomas. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A-Certificate of Good Standing, # 2 Exhibit B-Declaration)(Jackson, Sidney) (Entered: 11/18/2021)

Nov. 18, 2021

Nov. 18, 2021

PACER
20

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for Shelita Stewart by Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, Laquisha Chandler, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Evan Milligan, Khadidah Stone, James Thomas. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A-Certificate of Good Standing, # 2 Exhibit B-Declaration)(Jackson, Sidney) (Entered: 11/18/2021)

Nov. 18, 2021

Nov. 18, 2021

PACER
21

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for Blayne Thompson by Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, Laquisha Chandler, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Evan Milligan, Khadidah Stone, James Thomas. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A-Certificate of Good Standing, # 2 Exhibit B-Declaration)(Jackson, Sidney) (Entered: 11/18/2021)

Nov. 18, 2021

Nov. 18, 2021

PACER
22

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for Jessica Ellsworth by Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, Laquisha Chandler, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Evan Milligan, Khadidah Stone, James Thomas. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A-Certificate of Good Standing, # 2 Exhibit B-Declaration)(Jackson, Sidney) (Entered: 11/18/2021)

Nov. 18, 2021

Nov. 18, 2021

PACER
23

ORDER Rule 16 Conference set for 11/23/2021 08:30 AM CST in Hugo L Black US Courthouse, Birmingham, AL. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 11-18-2021. (TGC) (Entered: 11/18/2021)

Nov. 18, 2021

Nov. 18, 2021

PACER
24

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice by Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, Laquisha Chandler, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Evan Milligan, Khadidah Stone, James Thomas. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Declaration of Leah Aden, # 2 Exhibit Declaration of Stuart Naifeh, # 3 Exhibit Declaration of Deuel Ross)(Lawsen, Nicki) (Entered: 11/18/2021)

Nov. 18, 2021

Nov. 18, 2021

PACER

PHV Fee paid: $ 75, receipt number 1126-3965027(B4601117023). (Jackson, Sidney) Modified on 11/19/2021 (DNW, ).

Nov. 18, 2021

Nov. 18, 2021

PACER

PHV Fee paid: $ 75, receipt number 1126-3965025 (B4601117022). (Jackson, Sidney) Modified on 11/19/2021 (DNW, ).

Nov. 18, 2021

Nov. 18, 2021

PACER

PHV Fee paid: $ 75, receipt number 1126-3964211(B4601116998). (Faulks, LaTisha) Modified on 11/18/2021 (DNW, ).

Nov. 18, 2021

Nov. 18, 2021

PACER

PHV Fee paid: $ 75, receipt number 1126-3965043(B4601117030). (Jackson, Sidney) Modified on 11/19/2021 (DNW, ).

Nov. 18, 2021

Nov. 18, 2021

PACER

PHV Fee paid: $ 75, receipt number 1126-3965057 (B4601117040). (Lawsen, Nicki) Modified on 11/19/2021 (DNW, ).

Nov. 18, 2021

Nov. 18, 2021

PACER

PHV Fee paid: $ 75, receipt number 1126-3965022(B4601117021). (Jackson, Sidney) Modified on 11/19/2021 (DNW, ).

Nov. 18, 2021

Nov. 18, 2021

PACER

PHV Fee paid: $ 75, receipt number 1126-3965045(B4601117031). (Jackson, Sidney) Modified on 11/19/2021 (DNW, ).

Nov. 18, 2021

Nov. 18, 2021

PACER

PHV Fee paid: $ 75, receipt number 1126-3964218(B4601116999). (Faulks, LaTisha) Modified on 11/18/2021 (DNW, ).

Nov. 18, 2021

Nov. 18, 2021

PACER

PHV Fee paid: $ 75, receipt number 1126-3965020(B4601117020). (Jackson, Sidney) Modified on 11/19/2021 (DNW, ).

Nov. 18, 2021

Nov. 18, 2021

PACER

Filing Fee: Filing fee $ 402, receipt_number 1126-3964778(B4601117019). related document 1 COMPLAINT against All Defendants filed by Laquisha Chandler, Khadidah Stone, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, James Thomas, Evan Milligan.(DNW, ) (DNW, ).. (Lawsen, Nicki) Modified on 11/18/2021 (DNW, ).

Nov. 18, 2021

Nov. 18, 2021

PACER
25

TEXT ORDER. Plaintiffs' Motion for Leave for David Dunn to Appear Pro Hac Vice, Doc. 17, is GRANTED. Counsel are reminded that at least one attorney for each party may be required to be physically present at every hearing and status conference. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 11/19/2021. (FNC) (Entered: 11/19/2021)

Nov. 19, 2021

Nov. 19, 2021

PACER
26

TEXT ORDER. Plaintiffs' Motion for Leave for Michael Turrill to Appear Pro Hac Vice, Doc. 18, is GRANTED. Counsel are reminded that at least one attorney for each party may be required to be physically present at every hearing and status conference. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 11/19/2021. (FNC) (Entered: 11/19/2021)

Nov. 19, 2021

Nov. 19, 2021

PACER
27

TEXT ORDER. Plaintiffs' Motion for Leave for Harmony Gbe to Appear Pro Hac Vice, Doc. 19, is GRANTED. Counsel are reminded that at least one attorney for each party may be required to be physically present at every hearing and status conference. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 11/19/2021. (FNC) (Entered: 11/19/2021)

Nov. 19, 2021

Nov. 19, 2021

PACER
28

TEXT ORDER. Plaintiffs' Motion for Leave for Shelita Stewart to Appear Pro Hac Vice, Doc. 20, is GRANTED. Counsel are reminded that at least one attorney for each party may be required to be physically present at every hearing and status conference. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 11/19/2021. (FNC) (Entered: 11/19/2021)

Nov. 19, 2021

Nov. 19, 2021

PACER
29

TEXT ORDER. Plaintiffs' Motion for Leave for Blayne Thompson to Appear Pro Hac Vice, Doc. 21, is GRANTED. Counsel are reminded that at least one attorney for each party may be required to be physically present at every hearing and status conference. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 11/19/2021. (FNC) (Entered: 11/19/2021)

Nov. 19, 2021

Nov. 19, 2021

PACER
30

TEXT ORDER. Plaintiffs' Motion for Leave for Jessica Ellsworth to Appear Pro Hac Vice, Doc. 22, is GRANTED. Counsel are reminded that at least one attorney for each party may be required to be physically present at every hearing and status conference. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 11/19/2021. (FNC) (Entered: 11/19/2021)

Nov. 19, 2021

Nov. 19, 2021

PACER
31

TEXT ORDER. Plaintiffs' Motion for Leave for Leah Aden, Stuart Naifeh, Deuel Ross to Appear Pro Hac Vice, Doc. 24, is GRANTED. Counsel are reminded that at least one attorney for each party may be required to be physically present at every hearing and status conference. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 11/19/2021. (FNC) (Entered: 11/19/2021)

Nov. 19, 2021

Nov. 19, 2021

PACER
32

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice by Liza Weisberg and Jack Genberg by Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, Laquisha Chandler, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Evan Milligan, Khadidah Stone, James Thomas. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Declaration of Liza Weisberg, # 2 Exhibit Declaration of Jack Genberg)(Short, Caren) (Entered: 11/19/2021)

Nov. 19, 2021

Nov. 19, 2021

PACER
33

TEXT ORDER. Plaintiffs' Motion for Leave for Liza Weisberg and Jack Genberg to Appear Pro Hac Vice, Doc. 32, is GRANTED. Counsel are reminded that at least one attorney for each party may be required to be physically present at every hearing and status conference. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 11/19/2021. (FNC) (Entered: 11/19/2021)

Nov. 19, 2021

Nov. 19, 2021

PACER
34

RESPONSE to re 23 Order Setting Rule 16 Conference filed by Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, Laquisha Chandler, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Evan Milligan, Khadidah Stone, James Thomas. (Rosborough, Davin) (Entered: 11/19/2021)

Nov. 19, 2021

Nov. 19, 2021

PACER
35

ORDER vacating 23 . Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 11-19-2021. (TGC) (Entered: 11/19/2021)

Nov. 19, 2021

Nov. 19, 2021

PACER

PHV Fee paid: $ 75, receipt number 1126-3965176 (B4601117037). (Lawsen, Nicki) Modified on 11/19/2021 (DNW, ).

Nov. 19, 2021

Nov. 19, 2021

PACER

PHV Fee paid: $ 75, receipt number 1126-3965408 (B4601117042). (Short, Caren) Modified on 11/19/2021 (DNW, ).

Nov. 19, 2021

Nov. 19, 2021

PACER

PHV Fee paid: $ 75, receipt number 1126-3965109 (B4601117033). (Lawsen, Nicki) Modified on 11/19/2021 (DNW, ).

Nov. 19, 2021

Nov. 19, 2021

PACER

PHV Fee paid: $ 75, receipt number 1126-3965(B4601117041). (Short, Caren) Modified on 11/19/2021 (DNW, ).

Nov. 19, 2021

Nov. 19, 2021

PACER
36

Corporate Disclosure Statement by Greater Birmingham Ministries. filed by Greater Birmingham Ministries (Jackson, Sidney) (Entered: 11/30/2021)

Nov. 30, 2021

Nov. 30, 2021

PACER
37

Corporate Disclosure Statement by Alabama State Conference of the NAACP. filed by Alabama State Conference of the NAACP (Jackson, Sidney) (Entered: 11/30/2021)

Nov. 30, 2021

Nov. 30, 2021

PACER
38

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for Kaitlin Welborn by Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, Laquisha Chandler, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Evan Milligan, Khadidah Stone, James Thomas. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Kaitlin Welborn)(Faulks, LaTisha) (Entered: 12/03/2021)

Dec. 3, 2021

Dec. 3, 2021

PACER
39

TEXT ORDER. Plaintiffs' Motion for Leave for Kaitlin Welborn to Appear Pro Hac Vice, Doc. 38, is GRANTED. Counsel are reminded that at least one attorney for each party may be required to be physically present at every hearing and status conference. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 12/6/2021. (FNC) (Entered: 12/06/2021)

Dec. 6, 2021

Dec. 6, 2021

PACER

PHV Fee paid: $ 75, receipt number 1126-3973347 (B4601117301). (Faulks, LaTisha) Modified on 12/6/2021 (DNW, ).

Dec. 6, 2021

Dec. 6, 2021

PACER
40

MOTION for Recusal (Opposed) by Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, Laquisha Chandler, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Evan Milligan, Khadidah Stone, James Thomas. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit of Davin Rosborough, # 2 Exhibit A - Merrill Deposition, # 3 Exhibit B - AL NAACP Deposition, # 4 Exhibit C - Simelton Deposition, # 5 Exhibit D - Douglas Deposition, # 6 Exhibit E - Hajnal Deposition, # 7 Exhibit F - Koussar Deposition, # 8 Exhibit G - Amicus Brief of Hon. Bob Riley in Nw. Austin Mun. Utility Dist. No. 1 v. Holder)(Rosborough, Davin) (Entered: 12/08/2021)

1 Affidavit of Davin Rosborough

View on PACER

2 Exhibit A - Merrill Deposition

View on PACER

3 Exhibit B - AL NAACP Deposition

View on PACER

4 Exhibit C - Simelton Deposition

View on PACER

5 Exhibit D - Douglas Deposition

View on PACER

6 Exhibit E - Hajnal Deposition

View on PACER

7 Exhibit F - Koussar Deposition

View on PACER

8 Exhibit G - Amicus Brief of Hon. Bob Riley in Nw. Austin Mun. Utility Dist. No.

View on PACER

Dec. 8, 2021

Dec. 8, 2021

PACER
41

TEXT ORDER: Setting Briefing Schedule on Plaintiffs' Opposed Motion for Recusal, Doc. 40 . Any response to the plaintiffs' motion is due within twenty-eight (28) days of this order. Any reply is due within fourteen (14) days of the date the response is filed. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 12/8/2021. (DNW, ) (Entered: 12/08/2021)

Dec. 8, 2021

Dec. 8, 2021

PACER
42

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for Brittany Carter by Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, Laquisha Chandler, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Evan Milligan, Khadidah Stone, James Thomas. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A-Declaration)(Lawsen, Nicki) (Entered: 12/14/2021)

Dec. 14, 2021

Dec. 14, 2021

PACER
43

TEXT ORDER. Plaintiffs' Motion for Leave for Brittany Carter to Appear Pro Hac Vice, Doc. 42, is GRANTED. Counsel are reminded that at least one attorney for each party may be required to be physically present at every hearing and status conference. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 12/14/2021. (FNC) (Entered: 12/14/2021)

Dec. 14, 2021

Dec. 14, 2021

PACER

PHV Fee paid: $ 75, receipt number 1126-3978085 (B4601117460). (Lawsen, Nicki) Modified on 12/14/2021 (DNW, ).

Dec. 14, 2021

Dec. 14, 2021

PACER
44

NOTICE of Appearance by Kathryn Carden Sadasivan on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Sadasivan, Kathryn) (Entered: 12/20/2021)

Dec. 20, 2021

Dec. 20, 2021

PACER
45

RESPONSE in Opposition re 40 MOTION for Recusal (Opposed) filed by John H. Merrill. (LaCour, Edmund) (Entered: 12/30/2021)

Dec. 30, 2021

Dec. 30, 2021

Clearinghouse
46

Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 40 MOTION for Recusal (Opposed) by Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, Laquisha Chandler, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Evan Milligan, Khadidah Stone, James Thomas. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order Granting Motion for Extension of Time)(Rosborough, Davin) (Entered: 01/08/2022)

Jan. 8, 2022

Jan. 8, 2022

PACER
47

TEXT ORDER. Plaintiffs Unopposed Motion to Extend Time to File Reply Brief in Support of Recusal, Doc. 46, is GRANTED. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 1/8/22. (KMB) (Entered: 01/08/2022)

Jan. 8, 2022

Jan. 8, 2022

PACER
48

MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply by Jim McClendon, John H. Merrill, Chris Pringle. (Davis, James) (Entered: 01/10/2022)

Jan. 10, 2022

Jan. 10, 2022

PACER
49

TEXT ORDER. Defendants' Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time, Doc. 48, is GRANTED. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 1/10/2022. (FNC) (Entered: 01/10/2022)

Jan. 10, 2022

Jan. 10, 2022

PACER
50

REPLY Brief filed by Plaintiffs Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, Laquisha Chandler, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Evan Milligan, Khadidah Stone, James Thomas re: 40 MOTION for Recusal (Opposed) filed by Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, Laquisha Chandler, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Evan Milligan, Khadidah Stone, James Thomas. (Rosborough, Davin) (Entered: 01/18/2022)

Jan. 18, 2022

Jan. 18, 2022

PACER
51

NOTICE of Appearance by Brenton Merrill Smith on behalf of John H. Merrill (Smith, Brenton) (Entered: 01/20/2022)

Jan. 20, 2022

Jan. 20, 2022

PACER
52

ANSWER to 1 Complaint by John H. Merrill.(Seiss, Benjamin) (Entered: 01/21/2022)

Jan. 21, 2022

Jan. 21, 2022

PACER
53

ANSWER to 1 Complaint by Jim McClendon, Chris Pringle.(Walker, J) (Entered: 01/21/2022)

Jan. 21, 2022

Jan. 21, 2022

PACER
54

AMENDED COMPLAINT against Jim McClendon, John H. Merrill, Chris Pringle, filed by Laquisha Chandler, Khadidah Stone, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, James Thomas, Evan Milligan.(Rosborough, Davin) (Entered: 02/11/2022)

Feb. 11, 2022

Feb. 11, 2022

Clearinghouse
55

Consent MOTION to Amend/Correct 54 Amended Complaint by Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, Laquisha Chandler, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Evan Milligan, Khadidah Stone, James Thomas. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Second Amended Complaint)(Rosborough, Davin) (Entered: 02/23/2022)

Feb. 23, 2022

Feb. 23, 2022

PACER
56

Plaintiffs Consent Motion To File Second Amended Complaint, Doc. 55, is GRANTED. The Second Amended Complaint must be filed on or before FEBRUARY 28, 2022. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 2-25-2022. (TGC) (Entered: 02/25/2022)

Feb. 25, 2022

Feb. 25, 2022

PACER
57

AMENDED COMPLAINT (Second Amended Complaint) against All Defendants, filed by Laquisha Chandler, Khadidah Stone, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, James Thomas, Evan Milligan.(Rosborough, Davin) (Entered: 02/25/2022)

Feb. 25, 2022

Feb. 25, 2022

PACER
58

MOTION to Dismiss by John H. Merrill. (Harris, Andrew) (Entered: 03/11/2022)

March 11, 2022

March 11, 2022

PACER
59

ORDER Defendants' motion for partial dismissal, Doc. 58, is HELD IN ABEYANCE pending the resolution by the Supreme Court of the redistricting cases pertaining to Alabama's congressional map, Nos. 21-1086 & 21-1087. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 03/14/2022. (TGC) (Entered: 03/14/2022)

March 14, 2022

March 14, 2022

PACER
60

STATUS REPORT of Parties' Planning Meeting by Evan Milligan, Khadidah Stone, James Thomas. filed by Evan Milligan, Khadidah Stone, James Thomas (Rosborough, Davin) (Entered: 03/15/2022)

March 15, 2022

March 15, 2022

PACER
61

ORDER STAYING CASE. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 3-21-2022. (TGC) (Entered: 03/21/2022)

March 21, 2022

March 21, 2022

PACER
62

MOTION for a Status Conference re 61 Order, Order Staying Case by Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, Laquisha Chandler, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Evan Milligan, Khadidah Stone, James Thomas. (Rosborough, Davin) (Entered: 03/28/2022)

March 28, 2022

March 28, 2022

PACER
63

ORDER. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 04/22/2022. (TGC) (Entered: 04/22/2022)

April 22, 2022

April 22, 2022

PACER
64

MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney Caren E. Short by Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, Laquisha Chandler, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Evan Milligan, Khadidah Stone, James Thomas. (Short, Caren) (Entered: 04/22/2022)

April 22, 2022

April 22, 2022

PACER

Set/Reset Hearings: Status Conference set for 5/20/2022 01:00 PM, 8th Floor Courtroom, Hugo L Black US Courthouse, Birmingham, AL before Circuit Judge Kevin Newsom and District Judges Anna M Manasco and Corey L. Maze. (FNC)

April 22, 2022

April 22, 2022

PACER
65

TEXT ORDER. The court GRANTS 64 . Attorney Caren Elaine Short terminated. Signed by Judge Anna M Manasco on 4/25/2022. (FNC) (Entered: 04/25/2022)

April 25, 2022

April 25, 2022

PACER
66

ORDER: Plaintiffs' motion to recuse 40 is DENIED. Signed by Judge Corey L Maze on 5/19/2022. (DNW) (Entered: 05/19/2022)

May 19, 2022

May 19, 2022

Clearinghouse

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Circuit Judge Kevin Newsom and US District Judges Anna M Manasco and Corey Maze: Status Conference held on 5/20/2022. (Court Reporter Teresa Roberson.) (FNC)

May 20, 2022

May 20, 2022

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: Alabama

Case Type(s):

Election/Voting Rights

Key Dates

Filing Date: Nov. 16, 2021

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Plaintiffs are four voters living in the gerrymandered districts and two organizations - Greater Birmingham Ministries and the Alabama N.A.A.C.P. - that help to register Alabama voters.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Non-profit NON-religious organization

Attorney Organizations:

ACLU National (all projects)

Southern Poverty Law Center

NAACP Legal Defense Fund

ACLU Affiliates (any)

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Alabama, State

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Voting Rights Act, section 2, 52 U.S.C. § 10301 (previously 42 U.S.C. § 1973)

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

Constitutional Clause(s):

Equal Protection

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Nature of Relief:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General:

Voting

Discrimination-basis:

Race discrimination

Race:

Black

Voting:

Redistricting/district composition