Case: Harris v. Georgia Department of Corrections

5:18-cv-00365 | U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia

Filed Date: Oct. 3, 2018

Case Ongoing

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Case Summary

This is a case about the alleged denial of effective communication for deaf and hard of hearing individuals incarcerated in Georgia. On October 3, 2018, incarcerated individuals who were deaf and hard of hearing filed a collective class action lawsuit against the Georgia Department of Corrections in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia. Plaintiffs, represented by the ACLU, National Association of the Deaf, and a private law firm, claimed that defendants denied them effective communication access, hindering their mental and physical health while potentially punishing them for failing to follow instructions that are only conveyed orally, lengthening their sentences. Plaintiffs alleged that defendants violated the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This case was presided over by Judge Tilman E. Self III. Plaintiffs sought injunctive relief, declaratory relief, attorneys' fees, and costs.

On October 4, 2019, plaintiffs filed a motion to certify class consisting of "all present and future deaf and hard of hearing individuals in GDC custody and/or subject to GBOP authority, who require hearing-related accommodations and services—including but not limited to interpreters, hearing devices, other auxiliary aids or services, or reasonable modifications—to communicate effectively and/or to access or participate in programs, services, or activities available to individuals in GDC custody and subject to GBOP authority". Defendants opposed class certification, arguing that plaintiffs did not have standing, and even if they did have standing, class certification should be denied as it was "overly broad and not reasonably ascertainable". On December 29, 2021, the court granted the plaintiffs' motion for class certification, reasoning that plaintiffs' met the criteria for class certification.

On July 28, 2022 plaintiffs filed an amended complaint, removing certain members of the certified class who either no longer wished to be a part of the litigation or who had passed away. Plaintiffs also filed an unopposed motion to substitute a class representative due to those aforementioned reasons.

On September 25, 2023, plaintiffs filed a motion for partial summary judgment with respects to portions of counts I, II, and III of the amended complaint, seeking permanent injunctive relief. Plaintiffs argued that defendants were in violation of the ADA, Section 504, and the Eighth Amendment as they failed to identify and support deaf or hard of hearing inmates, and they did not provide effective communication in group settings, medical/mental health care, and with telecommunications. Additionally, plaintiffs argued that defendants had an unreasonable handcuffing policy for sign language users, they were deliberately indifferent to inmates' hearing aid needs, and they failed to provide accessible information to new inmates.

On November 11, 2023, the defendant filed a memorandum of law in opposition to plaintiffs' motion for partial summary judgment, arguing that the motion should be denied. They claimed that they were not required to provide disabled individuals with equal access to a public entity's programs, services, and activities but rather meaningful access, which they claimed to have done. Additionally, they argued that they did not violate the ADA as they reasonably accommodated and did not discriminate against disabled individuals. Furthermore, defendants argue that plaintiffs' motion failed as to the eighth amendment claim as there were issues of material fact as to whether class members experienced a "serious medical need" for Eighth Amendment purposes. Lastly, the defendant argued that the ADA imposed no affirmative obligation to "identify and assess" disable offenders and class members had been routinely accommodated.

The settlement process began in April, 2025. As of March 18, 2026, the plaintiffs' motion for partial summary judgment is pending. The case is ongoing.

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Summary Authors

Renuka Wagh (4/4/2025)

Jacob Chang (3/15/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/15043584/parties/harris-v-georgia-department-of-corrections/

Judge(s)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Ansley, William Sutton (Georgia)

Brennan-Krohn, Zoe (Georgia)

Center, Claudia B. (Georgia)

Attorney for Defendant

Chism, Daniel James (Georgia)

Correia, Cristina Maria (Georgia)

Judge(s)

Self, Tilman Eugene (Georgia)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Ansley, William Sutton (Georgia)

Brennan-Krohn, Zoe (Georgia)

Center, Claudia B. (Georgia)

CURTIS, AARON J (Georgia)

DELGADO, ANDRES MARTIN (Georgia)

Emilio, Anna Bitencourt (Georgia)

FAIRMAN, LAUREN (Georgia)

Isaacson, Cory (Georgia)

LEWIS, TALILA A (Georgia)

LIEGEL, BRIAN GEORGE (Georgia)

Lopez-Delgado, Andres Martin (Georgia)

MANN, ARIANE SALONE (Georgia)

Miller, Ralph I. (Georgia)

Mizner, Susan (Georgia)

MOSSAVI, SAMIN (Georgia)

RESENDES, WESTLEY (Georgia)

SAIONTZ, LEAH (Georgia)

SHAIKH, NIGAR (Georgia)

SHEIKH-KHALIL, SALAM (Georgia)

Shrader, Brittany (Georgia)

STANO, AUDREY E (Georgia)

Swette, Alexandria E G (Georgia)

Tucker, Kosha S (Georgia)

Young, Sean Jengwei (Georgia)

Attorney for Defendant

Chism, Daniel James (Georgia)

Correia, Cristina Maria (Georgia)

Davidson, Meghan Robson (Georgia)

DEARING, ANDREW FRANK (Georgia)

Hill, Anne Adams (Georgia)

Lunsford, William R. (Georgia)

Piper, Tina M (Georgia)

Reeves, Matthew (Georgia)

ROBERT, RANDAL JAMES (Georgia)

ROGERS, STEPHEN CLARENCE (Georgia)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

	Document
1 5:18-cv-00365	Complaint for Injunctive and Declaratory Relief	Oct. 3, 2018	Oct. 3, 2018 Complaint
136 5:18-cv-00365	Plaintiffs' Unopposed Motion to Substitute a Class Representative	July 28, 2022	July 28, 2022 Pleading / Motion / Brief
182 5:18-cv-00365	Plaintiffs' Motion for Partial Summary Judgment	Sept. 25, 2023	Sept. 25, 2023 Pleading / Motion / Brief

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Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/15043584/harris-v-georgia-department-of-corrections/

Last updated April 8, 2026, 3 p.m.

ECF Number	Description	Date	Link Date / Link
1	COMPLAINT against All Defendants Fee paid: Receipt # 113G-2990755, $400 filed by All Plaintiffs (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(YOUNG, SEAN) (Entered: 10/03/2018) 1 Civil Cover Sheet View on PACER	Oct. 3, 2018	Oct. 3, 2018 RECAP
1	COMPLAINT against All Defendants Fee paid: Receipt # 113G-2990755, $400 filed by All Plaintiffs (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(YOUNG, SEAN) (Entered: 10/03/2018) 1 Civil Cover Sheet View on PACER	Oct. 3, 2018	Oct. 3, 2018 RECAP
2	Consent Form (28 USC 636(c)(1)) sent to BRANDON COBB, TOMMY GREEN, RICARDO HARRIS, LEROY HENDERSON, TONY MOORE, JR, CHRISTOPHER SHIELDS, ANDREW SMITH, DARRELL SMITH, JR, JORAE SMITH (ggs) (Entered: 10/04/2018)	Oct. 4, 2018	Oct. 4, 2018
2	Consent Form (28 USC 636(c)(1)) sent to BRANDON COBB, TOMMY GREEN, RICARDO HARRIS, LEROY HENDERSON, TONY MOORE, JR, CHRISTOPHER SHIELDS, ANDREW SMITH, DARRELL SMITH, JR, JORAE SMITH (ggs) (Entered: 10/04/2018)	Oct. 4, 2018	Oct. 4, 2018
	Notice to Attorney Re: Admissions Requirement	Oct. 4, 2018	Oct. 4, 2018
	Notice to Attorney Re: Admissions Requirement	Oct. 4, 2018	Oct. 4, 2018
	NOTICE TO COUNSEL NIGAR SHAIKH, ANNA BITENCOURT, TALILA A LEWIS - Counsel is notified that they do not show in the court records that they meet the required attorney admissions policies of this court. If within 14 days of this notice all requirements, including the payment of Pro Hac Vice or admissions fees, have not been met, a show cause hearing will be scheduled. (ggs)	Oct. 4, 2018	Oct. 4, 2018
	NOTICE TO COUNSEL NIGAR SHAIKH, ANNA BITENCOURT, TALILA A LEWIS - Counsel is notified that they do not show in the court records that they meet the required attorney admissions policies of this court. If within 14 days of this notice all requirements, including the payment of Pro Hac Vice or admissions fees, have not been met, a show cause hearing will be scheduled. (ggs)	Oct. 4, 2018	Oct. 4, 2018
	NOTICE TO COUNSEL RALPH I MILLER, AUDREY E STANO, ALEXANDRIA E G SWETTE, SUSAN MIZNER, CLAUDIA CENTER, ZOE BRENNAN-KROHN - Counsel is notified that they do not show in the court records that they meet the required attorney admissions policies of this court. If within 14 days of this notice all requirements, including the payment of Pro Hac Vice or admissions fees, have not been met, a show cause hearing will be scheduled. (ggs)	Oct. 5, 2018	Oct. 5, 2018
	NOTICE TO COUNSEL RALPH I MILLER, AUDREY E STANO, ALEXANDRIA E G SWETTE, SUSAN MIZNER, CLAUDIA CENTER, ZOE BRENNAN-KROHN - Counsel is notified that they do not show in the court records that they meet the required attorney admissions policies of this court. If within 14 days of this notice all requirements, including the payment of Pro Hac Vice or admissions fees, have not been met, a show cause hearing will be scheduled. (ggs)	Oct. 5, 2018	Oct. 5, 2018
	Notice to Attorney Re: Admissions Requirement	Oct. 5, 2018	Oct. 5, 2018
	Notice to Attorney Re: Admissions Requirement	Oct. 5, 2018	Oct. 5, 2018
3	Mail Returned - Notice to Attorney Re: Admissions Requirement, sent to NIGAR SHAIKH returned as undeliverable. (ggs) (Entered: 10/16/2018)	Oct. 16, 2018	Oct. 16, 2018
3	Mail Returned - Notice to Attorney Re: Admissions Requirement, sent to NIGAR SHAIKH returned as undeliverable. (ggs) (Entered: 10/16/2018)	Oct. 16, 2018	Oct. 16, 2018
	SECOND NOTICE TO COUNSEL RALPH I MILLER, NIGAR SHAIKH, ALEXANDRIA E G SWETTE, SUSAN MIZNER, CLAUDIA CENTER, ZOE BRENNAN-KROHN, ANNA BITENCOURT, TALILA A LEWIS - Counsel is notified that they do not show in the court records that they meet the required attorney admissions policies of this court. If within 14 days of this notice all requirements, including the payment of Pro Hac Vice or admissions fees, have not been met, a show cause hearing will be scheduled. Electronic notifications have been discontinued until the admissions requirements have been met. (ggs)	Oct. 19, 2018	Oct. 19, 2018
	SECOND NOTICE TO COUNSEL RALPH I MILLER, NIGAR SHAIKH, ALEXANDRIA E G SWETTE, SUSAN MIZNER, CLAUDIA CENTER, ZOE BRENNAN-KROHN, ANNA BITENCOURT, TALILA A LEWIS - Counsel is notified that they do not show in the court records that they meet the required attorney admissions policies of this court. If within 14 days of this notice all requirements, including the payment of Pro Hac Vice or admissions fees, have not been met, a show cause hearing will be scheduled. Electronic notifications have been discontinued until the admissions requirements have been met. (ggs)	Oct. 19, 2018	Oct. 19, 2018
	Notice to Attorney Re: Admissions Requirement	Oct. 19, 2018	Oct. 19, 2018
	Notice to Attorney Re: Admissions Requirement	Oct. 19, 2018	Oct. 19, 2018
4	Order granting Petition for Admission Pro Hac Vice (Petition Attached); Attorney Admission Fee Met by ZOE BRENNAN-KROHN (nop) (Entered: 10/26/2018)	Oct. 26, 2018	Oct. 26, 2018 RECAP
4	Order granting Petition for Admission Pro Hac Vice (Petition Attached); Attorney Admission Fee Met by ZOE BRENNAN-KROHN (nop) (Entered: 10/26/2018)	Oct. 26, 2018	Oct. 26, 2018 RECAP
5	Order granting Petition for Admission Pro Hac Vice (Petition Attached); Attorney Admission Fee Met by CLAUDIA CENTER (nop) (Entered: 10/26/2018)	Oct. 26, 2018	Oct. 26, 2018 RECAP
5	Order granting Petition for Admission Pro Hac Vice (Petition Attached); Attorney Admission Fee Met by CLAUDIA CENTER (nop) (Entered: 10/26/2018)	Oct. 26, 2018	Oct. 26, 2018 RECAP
6	Order granting Petition for Admission Pro Hac Vice (Petition Attached); Attorney Admission Fee Met by ANNA BITENCOURT EMILIO (nop) (Entered: 10/26/2018)	Oct. 26, 2018	Oct. 26, 2018
6	Order granting Petition for Admission Pro Hac Vice (Petition Attached); Attorney Admission Fee Met by ANNA BITENCOURT EMILIO (nop) (Entered: 10/26/2018)	Oct. 26, 2018	Oct. 26, 2018
7	Order granting Petition for Admission Pro Hac Vice (Petition Attached); Attorney Admission Fee Met by AUDREY E STANO (nop) (Entered: 10/26/2018)	Oct. 26, 2018	Oct. 26, 2018
7	Order granting Petition for Admission Pro Hac Vice (Petition Attached); Attorney Admission Fee Met by AUDREY E STANO (nop) (Entered: 10/26/2018)	Oct. 26, 2018	Oct. 26, 2018
8	Order granting Petition for Admission Pro Hac Vice (Petition Attached); Attorney Admission Fee Met by ALEXANDRIA E G SWETTE (nop) (Entered: 10/26/2018)	Oct. 26, 2018	Oct. 26, 2018
8	Order granting Petition for Admission Pro Hac Vice (Petition Attached); Attorney Admission Fee Met by ALEXANDRIA E G SWETTE (nop) (Entered: 10/26/2018)	Oct. 26, 2018	Oct. 26, 2018
9	Order granting Petition for Admission Pro Hac Vice (Petition Attached); Attorney Admission Fee Met by RALPH I MILLER (nop) (Entered: 10/29/2018)	Oct. 29, 2018	Oct. 29, 2018
9	Order granting Petition for Admission Pro Hac Vice (Petition Attached); Attorney Admission Fee Met by RALPH I MILLER (nop) (Entered: 10/29/2018)	Oct. 29, 2018	Oct. 29, 2018
10	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by All Plaintiffs. as to TOMMY BOWEN (CENTER, CLAUDIA) (Entered: 10/31/2018)	Oct. 31, 2018	Oct. 31, 2018
10	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by All Plaintiffs. as to TOMMY BOWEN (CENTER, CLAUDIA) (Entered: 10/31/2018)	Oct. 31, 2018	Oct. 31, 2018
11	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by All Plaintiffs. as to GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF PARDONS AND PAROLES (CENTER, CLAUDIA) (Entered: 10/31/2018)	Oct. 31, 2018	Oct. 31, 2018
11	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by All Plaintiffs. as to GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF PARDONS AND PAROLES (CENTER, CLAUDIA) (Entered: 10/31/2018)	Oct. 31, 2018	Oct. 31, 2018
12	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by All Plaintiffs. as to CLAY NIX (CENTER, CLAUDIA) (Entered: 10/31/2018)	Oct. 31, 2018	Oct. 31, 2018
12	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by All Plaintiffs. as to CLAY NIX (CENTER, CLAUDIA) (Entered: 10/31/2018)	Oct. 31, 2018	Oct. 31, 2018
13	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by All Plaintiffs. as to TERRY BARNARD (CENTER, CLAUDIA) (Entered: 10/31/2018)	Oct. 31, 2018	Oct. 31, 2018
13	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by All Plaintiffs. as to TERRY BARNARD (CENTER, CLAUDIA) (Entered: 10/31/2018)	Oct. 31, 2018	Oct. 31, 2018
14	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by All Plaintiffs. as to GREGORY C DOZIER (CENTER, CLAUDIA) (Entered: 11/07/2018)	Nov. 7, 2018	Nov. 7, 2018
14	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by All Plaintiffs. as to GREGORY C DOZIER (CENTER, CLAUDIA) (Entered: 11/07/2018)	Nov. 7, 2018	Nov. 7, 2018
15	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by All Plaintiffs. as to JAY SANDERS (CENTER, CLAUDIA) (Entered: 11/07/2018)	Nov. 7, 2018	Nov. 7, 2018
15	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by All Plaintiffs. as to JAY SANDERS (CENTER, CLAUDIA) (Entered: 11/07/2018)	Nov. 7, 2018	Nov. 7, 2018
16	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by All Plaintiffs. as to TED PHILBIN (CENTER, CLAUDIA) (Entered: 11/07/2018)	Nov. 7, 2018	Nov. 7, 2018
16	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by All Plaintiffs. as to TED PHILBIN (CENTER, CLAUDIA) (Entered: 11/07/2018)	Nov. 7, 2018	Nov. 7, 2018
17	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by All Plaintiffs. as to JACK RANDY SAULS (CENTER, CLAUDIA) (Entered: 11/07/2018)	Nov. 7, 2018	Nov. 7, 2018
17	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by All Plaintiffs. as to JACK RANDY SAULS (CENTER, CLAUDIA) (Entered: 11/07/2018)	Nov. 7, 2018	Nov. 7, 2018
18	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by All Plaintiffs. as to TIMOTHY C. WARD (CENTER, CLAUDIA) (Entered: 11/07/2018)	Nov. 7, 2018	Nov. 7, 2018
18	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by All Plaintiffs. as to TIMOTHY C. WARD (CENTER, CLAUDIA) (Entered: 11/07/2018)	Nov. 7, 2018	Nov. 7, 2018
19	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by All Plaintiffs. as to RICKY MYRICK (CENTER, CLAUDIA) (Entered: 11/07/2018)	Nov. 7, 2018	Nov. 7, 2018
19	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by All Plaintiffs. as to RICKY MYRICK (CENTER, CLAUDIA) (Entered: 11/07/2018)	Nov. 7, 2018	Nov. 7, 2018
20	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by All Plaintiffs. as to GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS (CENTER, CLAUDIA) (Entered: 11/07/2018)	Nov. 7, 2018	Nov. 7, 2018
20	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by All Plaintiffs. as to GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS (CENTER, CLAUDIA) (Entered: 11/07/2018)	Nov. 7, 2018	Nov. 7, 2018
21	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by All Plaintiffs. as to ANTOINE CALDWELL (CENTER, CLAUDIA) (Entered: 11/07/2018)	Nov. 7, 2018	Nov. 7, 2018
21	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by All Plaintiffs. as to ANTOINE CALDWELL (CENTER, CLAUDIA) (Entered: 11/07/2018)	Nov. 7, 2018	Nov. 7, 2018
22	ANSWER to Complaint by TERRY BARNARD, TOMMY BOWEN, ANTOINE CALDWELL, GREGORY C DOZIER, GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF PARDONS AND PAROLES, RICKY MYRICK, CLAY NIX, TED PHILBIN, JAY SANDERS, JACK RANDY SAULS, TIMOTHY C. WARD.(PIPER, TINA)Attorney TINA M PIPER added to party TERRY BARNARD(pty:dft), Attorney TINA M PIPER added to party TOMMY BOWEN(pty:dft), Attorney TINA M PIPER added to party ANTOINE CALDWELL(pty:dft), Attorney TINA M PIPER added to party GREGORY C DOZIER(pty:dft), Attorney TINA M PIPER added to party GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS(pty:dft), Attorney TINA M PIPER added to party GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF PARDONS AND PAROLES(pty:dft), Attorney TINA M PIPER added to party RICKY MYRICK(pty:dft), Attorney TINA M PIPER added to party CLAY NIX(pty:dft), Attorney TINA M PIPER added to party TED PHILBIN(pty:dft), Attorney TINA M PIPER added to party JAY SANDERS(pty:dft), Attorney TINA M PIPER added to party JACK RANDY SAULS(pty:dft), Attorney TINA M PIPER added to party TIMOTHY C. WARD (pty:dft) (Entered: 12/07/2018)	Dec. 7, 2018	Dec. 7, 2018
22	ANSWER to Complaint by TERRY BARNARD, TOMMY BOWEN, ANTOINE CALDWELL, GREGORY C DOZIER, GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF PARDONS AND PAROLES, RICKY MYRICK, CLAY NIX, TED PHILBIN, JAY SANDERS, JACK RANDY SAULS, TIMOTHY C. WARD.(PIPER, TINA)Attorney TINA M PIPER added to party TERRY BARNARD(pty:dft), Attorney TINA M PIPER added to party TOMMY BOWEN(pty:dft), Attorney TINA M PIPER added to party ANTOINE CALDWELL(pty:dft), Attorney TINA M PIPER added to party GREGORY C DOZIER(pty:dft), Attorney TINA M PIPER added to party GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS(pty:dft), Attorney TINA M PIPER added to party GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF PARDONS AND PAROLES(pty:dft), Attorney TINA M PIPER added to party RICKY MYRICK(pty:dft), Attorney TINA M PIPER added to party CLAY NIX(pty:dft), Attorney TINA M PIPER added to party TED PHILBIN(pty:dft), Attorney TINA M PIPER added to party JAY SANDERS(pty:dft), Attorney TINA M PIPER added to party JACK RANDY SAULS(pty:dft), Attorney TINA M PIPER added to party TIMOTHY C. WARD (pty:dft) (Entered: 12/07/2018)	Dec. 7, 2018	Dec. 7, 2018
23	Order granting Petition for Admission Pro Hac Vice (Petition Attached); Attorney Admission Fee Met by TALILA A LEWIS (nop) (Entered: 12/11/2018)	Dec. 11, 2018	Dec. 11, 2018
23	Order granting Petition for Admission Pro Hac Vice (Petition Attached); Attorney Admission Fee Met by TALILA A LEWIS (nop) (Entered: 12/11/2018)	Dec. 11, 2018	Dec. 11, 2018
24	Order granting Petition for Admission Pro Hac Vice (Petition Attached); Attorney Admission Fee Met by NIGAR SHAIKH (nop) (Entered: 12/11/2018)	Dec. 11, 2018	Dec. 11, 2018
24	Order granting Petition for Admission Pro Hac Vice (Petition Attached); Attorney Admission Fee Met by NIGAR SHAIKH (nop) (Entered: 12/11/2018)	Dec. 11, 2018	Dec. 11, 2018
25	Mail Returned - Notice to Attorney (dated 10/4/2018) Re: Admissions Requirement, sent to TALILA A. LEWIS returned as undeliverable. (ggs) (Entered: 12/21/2018)	Dec. 21, 2018	Dec. 21, 2018
25	Mail Returned - Notice to Attorney (dated 10/4/2018) Re: Admissions Requirement, sent to TALILA A. LEWIS returned as undeliverable. (ggs) (Entered: 12/21/2018)	Dec. 21, 2018	Dec. 21, 2018
26	RULES 16/26 ORDER: Proposed Scheduling/Discovery order due by 2/4/2019. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE TILMAN E SELF, III on 01/04/2019. (Attachments: # 1 Required Form)(chc) (Entered: 01/04/2019)	Jan. 4, 2019	Jan. 4, 2019
26	RULES 16/26 ORDER: Proposed Scheduling/Discovery order due by 2/4/2019. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE TILMAN E SELF, III on 01/04/2019. (Attachments: # 1 Required Form)(chc) (Entered: 01/04/2019)	Jan. 4, 2019	Jan. 4, 2019
27	SCHEDULING/DISCOVERY ORDER: Discovery to be complete by 8/4/2019. Dispositive motions due by 9/3/2019. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE TILMAN E SELF, III on 02/04/2019. (chc) (Entered: 02/04/2019)	Feb. 4, 2019	Feb. 4, 2019
27	SCHEDULING/DISCOVERY ORDER: Discovery to be complete by 8/4/2019. Dispositive motions due by 9/3/2019. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE TILMAN E SELF, III on 02/04/2019. (chc) (Entered: 02/04/2019)	Feb. 4, 2019	Feb. 4, 2019
28	AMENDED SCHEDULING/DISCOVERY ORDER: Discovery to be complete by 8/4/2019. Dispositive motions due by 9/3/2019. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE TILMAN E SELF, III on 002/27/2019. (chc) (Entered: 02/27/2019)	Feb. 27, 2019	Feb. 27, 2019
28	AMENDED SCHEDULING/DISCOVERY ORDER: Discovery to be complete by 8/4/2019. Dispositive motions due by 9/3/2019. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE TILMAN E SELF, III on 002/27/2019. (chc) (Entered: 02/27/2019)	Feb. 27, 2019	Feb. 27, 2019
29	NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON on behalf of TERRY BARNARD, TOMMY BOWEN, ANTOINE CALDWELL, GREGORY C DOZIER, GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF PARDONS AND PAROLES, RICKY MYRICK, CLAY NIX, TED PHILBIN, JAY SANDERS, JACK RANDY SAULS, TIMOTHY C. WARD Attorney MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON added to party TERRY BARNARD(pty:dft), Attorney MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON added to party TOMMY BOWEN(pty:dft), Attorney MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON added to party ANTOINE CALDWELL(pty:dft), Attorney MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON added to party GREGORY C DOZIER(pty:dft), Attorney MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON added to party GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS(pty:dft), Attorney MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON added to party GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF PARDONS AND PAROLES(pty:dft), Attorney MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON added to party RICKY MYRICK(pty:dft), Attorney MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON added to party CLAY NIX(pty:dft), Attorney MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON added to party TED PHILBIN(pty:dft), Attorney MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON added to party JAY SANDERS(pty:dft), Attorney MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON added to party JACK RANDY SAULS(pty:dft), Attorney MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON added to party TIMOTHY C. WARD (pty:dft) (DAVIDSON, MEGHAN) (Entered: 03/01/2019)	March 1, 2019	March 1, 2019
29	NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON on behalf of TERRY BARNARD, TOMMY BOWEN, ANTOINE CALDWELL, GREGORY C DOZIER, GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF PARDONS AND PAROLES, RICKY MYRICK, CLAY NIX, TED PHILBIN, JAY SANDERS, JACK RANDY SAULS, TIMOTHY C. WARD Attorney MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON added to party TERRY BARNARD(pty:dft), Attorney MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON added to party TOMMY BOWEN(pty:dft), Attorney MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON added to party ANTOINE CALDWELL(pty:dft), Attorney MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON added to party GREGORY C DOZIER(pty:dft), Attorney MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON added to party GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS(pty:dft), Attorney MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON added to party GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF PARDONS AND PAROLES(pty:dft), Attorney MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON added to party RICKY MYRICK(pty:dft), Attorney MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON added to party CLAY NIX(pty:dft), Attorney MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON added to party TED PHILBIN(pty:dft), Attorney MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON added to party JAY SANDERS(pty:dft), Attorney MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON added to party JACK RANDY SAULS(pty:dft), Attorney MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON added to party TIMOTHY C. WARD (pty:dft) (DAVIDSON, MEGHAN) (Entered: 03/01/2019)	March 1, 2019	March 1, 2019
30	JOINT MOTION for Protective Order by TERRY BARNARD, TOMMY BOWEN, ANTOINE CALDWELL, GREGORY C DOZIER, GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF PARDONS AND PAROLES, RICKY MYRICK, CLAY NIX, TED PHILBIN, JAY SANDERS, JACK RANDY SAULS, TIMOTHY C. WARD filed by MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A-Proposed Protective Order)(DAVIDSON, MEGHAN) (Entered: 05/02/2019)	May 2, 2019	May 2, 2019
30	JOINT MOTION for Protective Order by TERRY BARNARD, TOMMY BOWEN, ANTOINE CALDWELL, GREGORY C DOZIER, GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF PARDONS AND PAROLES, RICKY MYRICK, CLAY NIX, TED PHILBIN, JAY SANDERS, JACK RANDY SAULS, TIMOTHY C. WARD filed by MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A-Proposed Protective Order)(DAVIDSON, MEGHAN) (Entered: 05/02/2019)	May 2, 2019	May 2, 2019
31	ORDER granting 30 Motion for Protective Order. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE TILMAN E SELF, III on 05/02/2019 (cma) (Entered: 05/02/2019)	May 2, 2019	May 2, 2019
31	ORDER granting 30 Motion for Protective Order. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE TILMAN E SELF, III on 05/02/2019 (cma) (Entered: 05/02/2019)	May 2, 2019	May 2, 2019
32	UNOPPOSED MOTION for Extension of Time to File Expert Witness Disclosure. by BRANDON COBB, TOMMY GREEN, RICARDO HARRIS, LEROY HENDERSON, TONY MOORE, JR, CHRISTOPHER SHIELDS, ANDREW SMITH, DARRELL SMITH, JR, JORAE SMITH filed by CLAUDIA CENTER.(CENTER, CLAUDIA) (Entered: 05/03/2019)	May 3, 2019	May 3, 2019
32	UNOPPOSED MOTION for Extension of Time to File Expert Witness Disclosure. by BRANDON COBB, TOMMY GREEN, RICARDO HARRIS, LEROY HENDERSON, TONY MOORE, JR, CHRISTOPHER SHIELDS, ANDREW SMITH, DARRELL SMITH, JR, JORAE SMITH filed by CLAUDIA CENTER.(CENTER, CLAUDIA) (Entered: 05/03/2019)	May 3, 2019	May 3, 2019
33	AMENDED MOTION Amending 32 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Expert Witness Disclosure. by BRANDON COBB, TOMMY GREEN, RICARDO HARRIS, LEROY HENDERSON, TONY MOORE, JR, CHRISTOPHER SHIELDS, ANDREW SMITH, DARRELL SMITH, JR, JORAE SMITH filed by CLAUDIA CENTER.(CENTER, CLAUDIA) (Entered: 05/06/2019)	May 6, 2019	May 6, 2019
33	AMENDED MOTION Amending 32 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Expert Witness Disclosure. by BRANDON COBB, TOMMY GREEN, RICARDO HARRIS, LEROY HENDERSON, TONY MOORE, JR, CHRISTOPHER SHIELDS, ANDREW SMITH, DARRELL SMITH, JR, JORAE SMITH filed by CLAUDIA CENTER.(CENTER, CLAUDIA) (Entered: 05/06/2019)	May 6, 2019	May 6, 2019
34	This is a text only entry; no document issued. ORDER granting 32 Motion for Extension of Time(); granting 33 Amended Motion. Plaintiffs shall have until November 12, 2019 to identify any expert witnesses and the current scheduling order shall be extended accordingly. The parties shall submit an amended scheduling order to reflect all extensions within 7 days. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE TILMAN E SELF, III on 5/6/2019 (TES) (Entered: 05/06/2019)	May 6, 2019	May 6, 2019
34	This is a text only entry; no document issued. ORDER granting 32 Motion for Extension of Time(); granting 33 Amended Motion. Plaintiffs shall have until November 12, 2019 to identify any expert witnesses and the current scheduling order shall be extended accordingly. The parties shall submit an amended scheduling order to reflect all extensions within 7 days. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE TILMAN E SELF, III on 5/6/2019 (TES) (Entered: 05/06/2019)	May 6, 2019	May 6, 2019
	Order on Amended Motion	May 7, 2019	May 7, 2019
	Order on Amended Motion	May 7, 2019	May 7, 2019
	Order on Motion for Extension of Time (Misc)	May 7, 2019	May 7, 2019
	Order on Motion for Extension of Time (Misc)	May 7, 2019	May 7, 2019
35	MOTION to Stay Discovery by TERRY BARNARD, TOMMY BOWEN, ANTOINE CALDWELL, GREGORY C DOZIER, GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF PARDONS AND PAROLES, RICKY MYRICK, CLAY NIX, TED PHILBIN, JAY SANDERS, JACK RANDY SAULS, TIMOTHY C. WARD filed by MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(DAVIDSON, MEGHAN) (Entered: 05/08/2019)	May 8, 2019	May 8, 2019
35	MOTION to Stay Discovery by TERRY BARNARD, TOMMY BOWEN, ANTOINE CALDWELL, GREGORY C DOZIER, GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF PARDONS AND PAROLES, RICKY MYRICK, CLAY NIX, TED PHILBIN, JAY SANDERS, JACK RANDY SAULS, TIMOTHY C. WARD filed by MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(DAVIDSON, MEGHAN) (Entered: 05/08/2019)	May 8, 2019	May 8, 2019
36	This is a text only entry; no document issued. ORDER granting 35 Motion to Stay. Discovery is stayed for 60 days in order to facilitate settlement discussions. No other deadlines shall be affected. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE TILMAN E SELF, III on 5/8/2019 (TES) (Entered: 05/08/2019)	May 8, 2019	May 8, 2019
36	This is a text only entry; no document issued. ORDER granting 35 Motion to Stay. Discovery is stayed for 60 days in order to facilitate settlement discussions. No other deadlines shall be affected. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE TILMAN E SELF, III on 5/8/2019 (TES) (Entered: 05/08/2019)	May 8, 2019	May 8, 2019
	Order on Motion to Stay	May 8, 2019	May 8, 2019
	Order on Motion to Stay	May 8, 2019	May 8, 2019
37	UNOPPOSED MOTION to Stay Discovery by TERRY BARNARD, TOMMY BOWEN, ANTOINE CALDWELL, GREGORY C DOZIER, GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF PARDONS AND PAROLES, RICKY MYRICK, CLAY NIX, TED PHILBIN, JAY SANDERS, JACK RANDY SAULS, TIMOTHY C. WARD filed by MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(DAVIDSON, MEGHAN) (Entered: 07/05/2019)	July 5, 2019	July 5, 2019
37	UNOPPOSED MOTION to Stay Discovery by TERRY BARNARD, TOMMY BOWEN, ANTOINE CALDWELL, GREGORY C DOZIER, GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF PARDONS AND PAROLES, RICKY MYRICK, CLAY NIX, TED PHILBIN, JAY SANDERS, JACK RANDY SAULS, TIMOTHY C. WARD filed by MEGHAN ROBSON DAVIDSON. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(DAVIDSON, MEGHAN) (Entered: 07/05/2019)	July 5, 2019	July 5, 2019
38	This is a text only entry; no document issued. ORDER granting 37 Motion to Stay Discovery until and including July 31, 2019. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE TILMAN E SELF, III on 7/8/2019 (TES) (Entered: 07/08/2019)	July 8, 2019	July 8, 2019
38	This is a text only entry; no document issued. ORDER granting 37 Motion to Stay Discovery until and including July 31, 2019. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE TILMAN E SELF, III on 7/8/2019 (TES) (Entered: 07/08/2019)	July 8, 2019	July 8, 2019
	Order on Motion to Stay	July 8, 2019	July 8, 2019
	Order on Motion to Stay	July 8, 2019	July 8, 2019
39	PETITION TO THE CLERK FOR ADMISSION TO PLEAD AND PRACTICE PRO HAC VICE by All Plaintiffs Attorney Admission Fee (Pro Hac Vice) paid by Receipt # AGAMDC-3219164, $100 (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing)(SHRADER, BRITTANY) (Entered: 07/24/2019) 1 View on RECAP	July 24, 2019	July 24, 2019
39	PETITION TO THE CLERK FOR ADMISSION TO PLEAD AND PRACTICE PRO HAC VICE by All Plaintiffs Attorney Admission Fee (Pro Hac Vice) paid by Receipt # AGAMDC-3219164, $100 (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing)(SHRADER, BRITTANY) (Entered: 07/24/2019) 1 View on RECAP	July 24, 2019	July 24, 2019
40	Order granting Petition for Admission Pro Hac Vice (Petition Attached); Attorney Admission Fee Met by BRITTANY SHRADER (nop) (Entered: 07/25/2019)	July 25, 2019	July 25, 2019
40	Order granting Petition for Admission Pro Hac Vice (Petition Attached); Attorney Admission Fee Met by BRITTANY SHRADER (nop) (Entered: 07/25/2019)	July 25, 2019	July 25, 2019

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Case Details

State / Territory:

Georgia

Case Type(s):

Disability Rights

Prison Conditions

Key Dates

Filing Date: Oct. 3, 2018

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Plaintiffs are a class of deaf and hard of hearing individuals who are incarcerated in the Georgia Department of Corrections' prisons who have been denied effective communication access.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

ACLU Affiliates (any)

ACLU National (all projects)

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Granted

Defendants

State

Georgia Department of Corrections

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12111 et seq.

Constitutional Clause(s):

Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Due Process

Other Dockets:

Middle District of Georgia 5:18-cv-00365

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

Disability and Disability Rights:

Hearing impairment

Recommended Citation

Case Summary of Harris v. Georgia Department of Corrections, Civil Rights Litig. Clearinghouse, https://clearinghouse.net/case/45183/ (last updated 3/15/2026).