Case: Simpson v. Hutchinson

4:22-cv-00213 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas

Filed Date: March 7, 2022

Case Ongoing

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Case Summary

A case summary is not yet available via the Clearinghouse.

Summary Authors

Amanda Wellen (1/31/2024)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/63140542/parties/simpson-v-hutchinson/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff
Attorney for Defendant

Bronni, Nicholas J. (Arkansas)

Jacobs, Dylan L. (Arkansas)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Hathaway, Quintessa (Arkansas)

Lamoureux, Michael (Arkansas)

Lienhard, Jonathan P. (Arkansas)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
1

4:22-cv-00213

Complaint

March 7, 2022

March 7, 2022

Complaint
1

4:22-cv-00213

Complaint

March 7, 2022

March 7, 2022

Complaint
9

4:22-cv-00213

Order

March 29, 2022

March 29, 2022

Order/Opinion
11

4:22-cv-00213

Defendants' Motion to Dismiss

April 12, 2022

April 12, 2022

Pleading / Motion / Brief
12

4:22-cv-00213

Defendants' Brief in Support of Motion to Dismiss

April 12, 2022

April 12, 2022

Pleading / Motion / Brief
18

4:22-cv-00213

Brief in Support of Plaintiffs' Response to Defendants' Motion to Dismiss

May 9, 2022

May 9, 2022

Pleading / Motion / Brief
19

4:22-cv-00213

Plaintiffs' Response to Defendants' Motion to Dismiss

May 9, 2022

May 9, 2022

Pleading / Motion / Brief
22

4:22-cv-00213

Brief of Senator Tom Cotton as Amicus Curiae in Support of Defendants

May 23, 2022

May 23, 2022

Pleading / Motion / Brief
25

4:22-cv-00213

Defendants' Reply in Support of Motion to Dismiss

May 25, 2022

May 25, 2022

Pleading / Motion / Brief
31

4:22-cv-00213

Memorandum Opinion and Order

Oct. 24, 2022

Oct. 24, 2022

Order/Opinion

636 F.Supp.3d 951

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/63140542/simpson-v-hutchinson/

Last updated June 29, 2026, 5:32 a.m.

ECF Number Date Description Link
1 March 7, 2022

COMPLAINT and Request for Three-Judge Panel against All Defendants filed by Anika Whitfield, Denise Ennett, Charles E Bolden, Linda Chesterfield, Jackie Williams Simpson and Wanda King. (Filing Fee of $402 paid. Receipt Number LIT085867.) Summons issued and returned to counsel for service. (Attachment: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet) (llg) (Docket text modified on 3/8/2022 to correct the description.)(cmn) (Entered: 03/07/2022)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

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Clearinghouse
March 8, 2022

NOTICE OF DOCKET CORRECTION re 1 Complaint. CORRECTION: The docket text was modified to correct the description of the document as "COMPLAINT and Request for Three-Judge Panel" as indicated by the document. (cmn)

2 March 14, 2022

AFFIDAVIT re 1 Complaint, Affidavit of Service on John Thurston, Arkansas Secretary of State by Charles E Bolden, Linda Chesterfield, Denise Ennett, Wanda King, Jackie Williams Simpson, Anika Whitfield. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Proof of Service)(Mays, Richard) (Entered: 03/14/2022)

RECAP
3 March 14, 2022

AFFIDAVIT re 1 Complaint, Affidavit of Service on Asa Hutchinson, Governor of the State of Arkansas by Charles E Bolden, Linda Chesterfield, Denise Ennett, Wanda King, Jackie Williams Simpson, Anika Whitfield. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Proof of Service)(Mays, Richard) (Entered: 03/14/2022)

RECAP
4 March 14, 2022

AFFIDAVIT re 1 Complaint, Affidavit of Service on State of Arkansas by Charles E Bolden, Linda Chesterfield, Denise Ennett, Wanda King, Jackie Williams Simpson, Anika Whitfield. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Proof of Service)(Mays, Richard) (Entered: 03/14/2022)

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5 March 15, 2022

NOTICE of Appearance by Dylan L. Jacobs on behalf of All Defendants (Jacobs, Dylan) (Entered: 03/15/2022)

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6 March 15, 2022

MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 1 Complaint, by All Defendants (Jacobs, Dylan) (Entered: 03/15/2022)

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7 March 16, 2022

ORDER granting 6 Defendants request for an extension of time to respond to the complaint; and giving them until 04/12/2022 to respond. If Defendants oppose the request for a three-judge panel, their objection must be filed by 03/23/2022. Signed by Judge James M. Moody Jr. on 03/16/2022. (llg) (Entered: 03/16/2022)

RECAP
8 March 22, 2022

NOTICE by All Defendants of Non-opposition to Request for a Three-judge Panel (Jacobs, Dylan) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

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9 March 29, 2022

ORDER directing that a three-judge panel will be convened. The Court has notified Chief Judge Lavenski R. Smith of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, and Chief Judge Smith has notified the Court that Circuit Judge David R. Stras and District Chief Judge D.P. Marshall Jr. have been designated to serve on a three-judge panel, along with the undersigned. The Court orders the parties to confer pursuant to Rule 26(f) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and submit a report by 4/28/2022. Signed by Judge James M. Moody Jr. on 3/29/2022. (ldb) (Entered: 03/29/2022)

Clearinghouse
10 April 12, 2022

NOTICE of Appearance by Nicholas J. Bronni on behalf of All Defendants (Bronni, Nicholas) (Entered: 04/12/2022)

RECAP
11 April 12, 2022

MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM, MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction () by All Defendants (Jacobs, Dylan) (Entered: 04/12/2022)

Clearinghouse
12 April 12, 2022

BRIEF IN SUPPORT re 11 Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim, Motion to Dismiss/Lack of Jurisdiction filed by All Defendants. (Jacobs, Dylan) (Entered: 04/12/2022)

Clearinghouse
13 April 15, 2022

MOTION for Leave to File Brief as Amicus Curiae by Tom Cotton (Attachments: # 1 proposed Brief of Senator Cotton as Amicus Curiae in Support of Defendants) (jap) (Entered: 04/15/2022)

RECAP
14 April 22, 2022

Unopposed MOTION to Extend Time To Respond To Defendants' Motion To Dismiss by All Plaintiffs (Mays, Richard) (Entered: 04/22/2022)

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15 April 26, 2022

ORDER granting 14 Plaintiffs' unopposed motion for extension of time; and giving Plaintiffs until 05/09/2022 to file a response to the Defendants' Motion to Dismiss. Signed by Judge James M. Moody Jr. on 04/26/2022. (llg) (Entered: 04/26/2022)

RECAP
16 April 28, 2022

REPORT of Rule 26(f) Planning Meeting by Arkansas, State of, Tom Cotton, Asa Hutchinson, John Thurston. Joint Rule 26(f) Report (Jacobs, Dylan) (Entered: 04/28/2022)

RECAP
17 May 3, 2022

ORDER granting 13 Senator Tom Cotton's motion for leave to file an amicus curiae brief in support of Defendants. Signed by Judge James M. Moody Jr. on 05/03/2022. (llg) (Entered: 05/03/2022)

RECAP
18 May 9, 2022

BRIEF IN SUPPORT re 19 Response to MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction filed by All Plaintiffs. (Mays, Richard)(Docket text modified on 5/10/2022 to correct the description of the document filed)(jak) (Entered: 05/09/2022)

Clearinghouse
19 May 9, 2022

RESPONSE to Motion re 11 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction filed by All Plaintiffs. (Mays, Richard) (Entered: 05/09/2022)

Clearinghouse
May 10, 2022

NOTICE OF DOCKET CORRECTION re 18 Response to Motion. CORRECTION: The docket text was modified to correct the description of the document filed as "BRIEF IN SUPPORT re 19 Response to Motion" as marked on the document. (jak)

20 May 11, 2022

Mail Returned Undeliverable as to Michael Lamoureux re 15 Order. (fjg) (Entered: 05/11/2022)

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21 May 13, 2022

Mail Returned Undeliverable as to Michael Lamoureux re 17 Order. (fjg) (Entered: 05/13/2022)

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22 May 23, 2022

BRIEF filed by Tom Cotton Amicus Brief (Lienhard, Jonathan) (Entered: 05/23/2022)

Clearinghouse
23 May 23, 2022

MOTION for Leave to File to File Reply in Support of Motion to Dismiss by All Defendants (Attachments: # 1 Document Proposed Reply Brief)(Jacobs, Dylan) (Entered: 05/23/2022)

RECAP
24 May 25, 2022

(This is a TEXT ENTRY ONLY. There is no pdf document associated with this entry.) ORDER granting 23 Motion for Leave to File. Defendants are granted leave to file their reply. Signed by Judge James M. Moody Jr. on 5/25/22. (dpb) (Entered: 05/25/2022)

RECAP
25 May 25, 2022

REPLY to Response to Motion re 11 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction filed by All Defendants. (Jacobs, Dylan) (Entered: 05/25/2022)

Clearinghouse
26 May 26, 2022

(This is a TEXT ENTRY ONLY. There is no pdf document associated with this entry.) NOTICE of Hearing on Motion 11 MOTION TO DISMISS: MOTION HEARING set for 6/6/2022 at 8:30 AM in Little Rock Courtroom # 2A before District Judge James M. Moody Jr., Circuit Judge David R. Stras, and District Chief Judge D.P. Marshall Jr.(kog) (Entered: 05/26/2022)

RECAP
27 May 26, 2022

Mail Returned Undeliverable as to Michael Lamoureux re Notice of Docket Correction re 18 Response to Motion. (fjg) (Entered: 05/26/2022)

RECAP
28 June 2, 2022

Mail Returned Undeliverable as to Michael Lamoureux re 24 Text Entry Only Order. (fjg) (Entered: 06/02/2022)

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29 June 6, 2022

(This is a TEXT ENTRY ONLY. There is no pdf document associated with this entry.)CLERK'S MINUTES for proceedings held before District Judge James M. Moody Jr., Circuit Judge David R. Stras, and District Chief Judge D.P. Marshall Jr.MOTION HEARING held on 6/6/2022 re 11 MOTION TO DISMISS filed by Defendant. Richard Mays was present for Plaintiffs; Dylan Jacobs and Nicholas Bronni were present for Defendants. After argument from counsel, the Panel takes the matter under advisement. (Court Reporter: Karen Dellinger.) (kog) (Entered: 06/06/2022)

RECAP
30 June 7, 2022

Mail Returned Undeliverable as to Michael Lamoureux re 26 Text Entry Only Notice of Hearing. (fjg) (Entered: 06/07/2022)

RECAP
31 Oct. 24, 2022

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER before Circuit Judge David R Stras, Chief District Judge D. P. Marshall Jr., and District Judge James M. Moody, Jr.: The defendants' motion to dismiss is GRANTED IN PART on Counts I, II, and III of the complaint, which are dismissed with prejudice. The same goes for the State of Arkansas and Governor Asa Hutchinson. A ruling on the motion to dismiss with respect to Counts IV, V, and VI is DEFERRED for thirty days. During that time, the plaintiffs may submit an amended complaint to focus their remaining claims and attempt to cure the pleading deficiencies we have identified. By Circuit Judge David R Stras on 10/24/2022. (cmn) (Entered: 10/24/2022)

Clearinghouse
32 Nov. 18, 2022

MOTION for Extension of Time to File First Amended Complaint by All Plaintiffs (Mays, Richard) (Entered: 11/18/2022)

RECAP
33 Nov. 21, 2022

(This is a TEXT ENTRY ONLY. There is no pdf document associated with this entry.) ORDER granting 32 Motion for Extension of Time to File a First Amended Complaint. Plaintiffs will have up to and including December 2, 2022 to file their First Amended Complaint. Signed by Judge James M. Moody Jr. on 11/21/2022. (amr) (Entered: 11/21/2022)

RECAP
34 Dec. 2, 2022

AMENDED COMPLAINT against All Defendants, filed by Anika Whitfield, Denise Ennett, Charles E Bolden, Linda Chesterfield, Jackie Williams Simpson, Wanda King (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Chart, # 2 Exhibit Memorandum, # 3 Exhibit Map, # 4 Exhibit Chart, # 5 Exhibit Bill SB 720, # 6 Exhibit Bill SB 727, # 7 Exhibit Bill HB 728, # 8 Exhibit Bill HB 1966, # 9 Exhibit Bill HB 1968, # 10 Exhibit Bill HB 1978, # 11 Exhibit Bill HB 1980)(Mays, Richard) (Entered: 12/02/2022)

1 Exhibit Chart

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2 Exhibit Memorandum

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3 Exhibit Map

View on RECAP

4 Exhibit Chart

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5 Exhibit Bill SB 720

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6 Exhibit Bill SB 727

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7 Exhibit Bill HB 728

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8 Exhibit Bill HB 1966

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9 Exhibit Bill HB 1968

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10 Exhibit Bill HB 1978

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11 Exhibit Bill HB 1980

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Clearinghouse
35 Dec. 16, 2022

MOTION to Dismiss Party State of Arkansas by All Plaintiffs (Mays, Richard) (Entered: 12/16/2022)

RECAP
36 Dec. 16, 2022

MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM by John Thurston (Jacobs, Dylan) (Entered: 12/16/2022)

RECAP
37 Dec. 16, 2022

BRIEF IN SUPPORT re 36 Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim filed by John Thurston. (Jacobs, Dylan) (Entered: 12/16/2022)

Clearinghouse
38 Dec. 26, 2022

RESPONSE to Motion re 36 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM filed by All Plaintiffs. (Mays, Richard) (Entered: 12/26/2022)

Clearinghouse
39 Dec. 26, 2022

BRIEF IN SUPPORT re 38 Response to Motion to Dismiss filed by All Plaintiffs. (Mays, Richard) (Entered: 12/26/2022)

Clearinghouse
40 Feb. 14, 2023

MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Curiae Brief by Quintessa Hathaway. (fjg) (Entered: 02/14/2023)

RECAP
41 Feb. 23, 2023

(This is a TEXT ENTRY ONLY. There is no pdf document associated with this entry.) ORDER granting 40 Motion for Leave to File Amicus Brief. Signed by Judge James M. Moody Jr. on 2/23/2023. (amr) (Entered: 02/23/2023)

RECAP
42 Feb. 23, 2023

BRIEF of Amicus Curiae in Support of Plaintiffs filed by Quintessa Hathaway. (kth) (Entered: 02/24/2023)

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43 May 25, 2023

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER before Circuit Judge David R Stras, Chief District Judge D. P. Marshall Jr., and District Judge James M. Moody, Jr.: The defendants' motion to dismiss the plaintiffs' first amended complaint is GRANTED. All counts are dismissed with prejudice. The defendants' motion to dismiss with respect to Counts IV, V, and VI of the original complaint is DENIED AS MOOT given the filing of the amended complaint. The plaintiffs' motion to dismiss the State of Arkansas as a defendant is GRANTED. By Circuit Judge David R Stras on 5/25/2023. (jak) (Main Document added on 5/25/2023)(jak) (Entered: 05/25/2023)

Clearinghouse
44 May 25, 2023

NOTICE OF DOCKET CORRECTION re 43 Memorandum Opinion and Order. CORRECTION: The original document was not attached to the docket entry due to a clerical mistake by the Clerk's office. The document was added to docket entry 43 and is attached hereto for service on the parties.(jak) (Entered: 05/25/2023)

RECAP
45 May 25, 2023

JUDGMENT: Plaintiffs' claims against the State of Arkansas are dismissed without prejudice. All other claims are dismissed with prejudice. Signed by Judge James M. Moody Jr., Chief Judge D. P. Marshall Jr., and Circuit Judge David R. Stras on 5/25/2023. (jak) (Entered: 05/25/2023)

Clearinghouse
46 June 5, 2023

Mail Returned Undeliverable as to Quintessa Hathaway re 43 Memorandum Opinion and Order, 44 Notice of Docket Correction re 43 Memorandum Opinion and Order, 45 Judgment. (fjg) (Entered: 06/05/2023)

RECAP
47 June 12, 2023

NOTICE OF APPEAL to the U.S. Supreme Court as to 43 Memorandum Opinion and Order and 45 Judgment by Charles E Bolden, Linda Chesterfield, Denise Ennett, Wanda King, Jackie Williams Simpson, Anika Whitfield. (Mays, Richard) (Docket text modified on 6/13/2023 to correct description.)(cmn) (Entered: 06/12/2023)

Clearinghouse
48 June 12, 2023

DOCKET ENTRY FILED IN ERROR - DISREGARD. (jbh) (Docket text modified on 6/13/2023 to indicate the document was filed in error.)(cmn) (Entered: 06/12/2023)

RECAP
June 13, 2023

NOTICE OF DOCKET CORRECTION re 48 Notification of Appeal and NOA Supplement. CORRECTION: The docket text was modified to indicate the document was filed and notification made in error (wrong court) due to a clerical mistake by the Clerk's office. (cmn)

June 13, 2023

NOTICE OF DOCKET CORRECTION re 47 Notice of Appeal. CORRECTION: The docket text was modified to correct the description as follows, "NOTICE OF APPEAL to the U.S. Supreme Court as to 43 Memorandum Opinion and Order and 45 Judgment by Charles E Bolden, Linda Chesterfield, Denise Ennett, Wanda King, Jackie Williams Simpson, Anika Whitfield" as indicated by the document. (cmn)

49 Sept. 6, 2023

U.S. Supreme Court Docketing Letter as to 47 Notice of Appeal filed by Anika Whitfield, Linda Chesterfield, Jackie Williams Simpson, Denise Ennett, Wanda King, Charles E Bolden. U.S. Supreme Court Case Number 23-138. (jbh) (Entered: 09/06/2023)

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50 June 6, 2024

Letter

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51 July 8, 2024

Letter

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52 July 22, 2024

Notice (Other)

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53 July 24, 2024

Order

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54 July 30, 2024

Mail Returned

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55 Aug. 21, 2024

Response (Non Motion)

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56 Aug. 21, 2024

Memorandum of Points and Authorities

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57 Sept. 11, 2024

ORDER before Circuit Judge David R Stras, District Judge D. P. Marshall Jr., and District Judge James M. Moody, Jr. denying the plaintiffs' request for a status conference; and reinstating the judgment of dismissal on 9/11/2024. (cmn)

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58 Sept. 16, 2024

Mail Returned

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Case Details

State / Territory:

Arkansas

Case Type(s):

Election/Voting Rights

Special Collection(s):

Law Firm Antiracism Alliance (LFAA) project

Key Dates

Filing Date: March 7, 2022

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Individual voters who are Arkansas residents in the election districts that are the subject of their allegations regarding racial gerrymandering.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

State

Secretary of State

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Ex parte Young (federal or state officials)

State law

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

Constitutional Clause(s):

Equal Protection

Fifteenth Amendment

Other Dockets:

Eastern District of Arkansas 4:22-cv-00213

Supreme Court of the United States 23-138

Special Case Type(s):

Three-Judge District Court

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Defendant

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Content of Injunction:

Redistricting

Voting Process Changes

Issues

Discrimination Basis:

Race discrimination

Affected Race(s):

Black

Voting:

Redistricting/district composition

Vote dilution

Voting: General & Misc.

Recommended Citation