Case: McLaughlin v. Panetta

1:11-cv-11905 | U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts

Filed Date: Oct. 27, 2011

Closed Date: Sept. 23, 2014

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

Plaintiffs are service members in the U.S. Armed Forces, married to spouses of their same sex. They filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts on October 27, 2011, challenging the constitutionality of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and other exclusionary provisions of the U.S. Code. The statutes in question preclude the military from providing the plaintiffs marital benefits and family support that are offered to heterosexual couples. The plaintiffs, …

Plaintiffs are service members in the U.S. Armed Forces, married to spouses of their same sex. They filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts on October 27, 2011, challenging the constitutionality of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and other exclusionary provisions of the U.S. Code. The statutes in question preclude the military from providing the plaintiffs marital benefits and family support that are offered to heterosexual couples. The plaintiffs, represented by the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, allege that DOMA: (1) violates their Equal Protection rights, (2) violates the 10th Amendment and constitutional principles of federalism, (3) places an unconstitutional condition on the fundamental right to marry, and (4) is impermissible as a bill of attainder.

On June 5, 2012, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a motion to stay the case pending the outcome of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on the petition for a writ of certiorari in the First Circuit Gill/Massachusetts case; Judge Stearns granted the stay the following day.

The Supreme Court held Gill pending its decision in Windsor v. United States, which also raised the issue of DOMA's constitutionality. On June 27, 2013, in a 5-4 opinion by Justice Kennedy, the Court struck down the relevant provision of DOMA.

On October 2, 2013, the District Court in this case held (in light of Windsor, the decision by the Department of Defense to construe "spouse" to include same-sex spouses, and the President's directive to extend veterans' benefits to same-sex spouses) that the definition of "spouse" to exclude same-sex spouses is unconstitutional under the Fifth Amendment and that the plaintiffs are entitled to apply for benefits for which they were previously precluded from applying, "without regard to being a couple of the same gender."

On December 17, 2013, the District Court denied the plaintiffs attorneys' fees, finding that the United States' litigating position was "substantially justified" by its deference to Congress, and therefore that the United States is not liable for fees under the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA). This decision was upheld by the First Circuit on September 23, 2014.

Summary Authors

Darren Miller (5/2/2013)

Nadji Allan (11/6/2014)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5035555/parties/mclaughlin-v-panetta/


Judge(s)

Lynch, Sandra Lea (Massachusetts)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Goodman, John M. (District of Columbia)

Lowell, Abbe David (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Lin, Jean (District of Columbia)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Bartolomucci, H. Christopher (District of Columbia)

Judge(s)

Lynch, Sandra Lea (Massachusetts)

Ripple, Kenneth Francis (Indiana)

Stearns, Richard Gaylore (Massachusetts)

Torruella, Juan R. (Puerto Rico)

Attorney for Defendant

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

1:11-cv-11905

Docket

Sept. 23, 2014

Sept. 23, 2014

Docket
1

1:11-cv-11905

Complaint for Declaratory, Injunctive and Other Relief

Oct. 27, 2011

Oct. 27, 2011

Complaint
13

1:11-cv-11905

Plaintiffs' Motion for Summary Judgment

Nov. 21, 2011

Nov. 21, 2011

Pleading / Motion / Brief
55

1:11-cv-11905

Judgment

Oct. 2, 2013

Oct. 2, 2013

Order/Opinion
63

1:11-cv-11905

Memorandum and Order on Plaintiffs' Application for an Award of Attorney's Fees and Costs

Dec. 17, 2013

Dec. 17, 2013

Order/Opinion

987 F.Supp.2d 987

34

14-01035

Appeal (Fees)

U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit

Sept. 23, 2014

Sept. 23, 2014

Order/Opinion

767 F.3d 767

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5035555/mclaughlin-v-panetta/

Last updated Feb. 10, 2024, 3:04 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against All Plaintiffs Filing fee: $ 350, receipt number 0101−3645994 (Fee Status: Filing Fee paid), filed by Shannon L. McLaughlin. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Civil Cover Sheet)(McClatchey, Ian) (Entered: 10/27/2011)

Oct. 27, 2011

Oct. 27, 2011

2

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Abbe David Lowell Filing fee: $ 200, receipt number 0101−3646028 by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Declaration of A. D. Lowell)(McClatchey, Ian) Modified to add filers on 10/27/2011 (Anderson, Jennifer). (Entered: 10/27/2011)

Oct. 27, 2011

Oct. 27, 2011

3

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Christopher Man by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Declaration of C. Man)(McClatchey, Ian) Modified to add filers on 10/27/2011 (Anderson, Jennifer). (Entered: 10/27/2011)

Oct. 27, 2011

Oct. 27, 2011

4

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of John M. Goodman by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit John Goodman)(McClatchey, Ian) Modified to add filers on 10/27/2011 (Anderson, Jennifer). (Entered: 10/27/2011)

Oct. 27, 2011

Oct. 27, 2011

5

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of David McKean by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Declaration of D. McKean)(McClatchey, Ian) Modified to add filers on 10/27/2011 (Anderson, Jennifer). (Entered: 10/27/2011)

Oct. 27, 2011

Oct. 27, 2011

ELECTRONIC NOTICE of Case Assignment. Judge Joseph L. Tauro assigned to case. If the trial Judge issues an Order of Reference of any matter in this case to a Magistrate Judge, the matter will be transmitted to Magistrate Judge Robert B. Collings. (Folan, Karen) (Entered: 10/27/2011)

Oct. 27, 2011

Oct. 27, 2011

6

Summons Issued as to All Defendants. Counsel receiving this notice electronically should download this summons, complete one for each defendant and serve it in accordance with Fed.R.Civ.P. 4 and LR 4.1. Summons will be mailed to plaintiff(s) not receiving notice electronically for completion of service. (Anderson, Jennifer) (Entered: 10/27/2011)

Oct. 27, 2011

Oct. 27, 2011

8

AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE Executed by Jacqueline Kennedy, Monika Poxon, Joan Darrah, Steve M. Hill, Casey McLauglin, Gary C. Ross, Shannon L. McLaughlin, Joshua Snyder, Stewart Bornhoft, Charlie Morgan, Daniel Henderson, Jerret Henderson, Victoria A. Hudson, Stephen McNabb, Dan Swezy, Karen Morgan. United States of America served on 10/27/2011, answer due 11/17/2011. Acknowledgement filed by Jacqueline Kennedy; Monika Poxon; Joan Darrah; Steve M. Hill; Casey McLauglin; Gary C. Ross; Shannon L. McLaughlin; Joshua Snyder; Stewart Bornhoft; Charlie Morgan; Daniel Henderson; Jerret Henderson; Victoria A. Hudson; Stephen McNabb; Dan Swezy; Karen Morgan. (McClatchey, Ian) (Entered: 11/03/2011)

Nov. 3, 2011

Nov. 3, 2011

9

AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE Executed by Jacqueline Kennedy, Monika Poxon, Joan Darrah, Steve M. Hill, Casey McLauglin, Gary C. Ross, Shannon L. McLaughlin, Joshua Snyder, Stewart Bornhoft, Charlie Morgan, Daniel Henderson, Jerret Henderson, Victoria A. Hudson, Stephen McNabb, Dan Swezy, Karen Morgan. Eric K. Shinseki served on 10/28/2011, answer due 11/18/2011. Acknowledgement filed by Jacqueline Kennedy; Monika Poxon; Joan Darrah; Steve M. Hill; Casey McLauglin; Gary C. Ross; Shannon L. McLaughlin; Joshua Snyder; Stewart Bornhoft; Charlie Morgan; Daniel Henderson; Jerret Henderson; Victoria A. Hudson; Stephen McNabb; Dan Swezy; Karen Morgan. (McClatchey, Ian) (Entered: 11/03/2011)

Nov. 3, 2011

Nov. 3, 2011

10

AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE Executed by Jacqueline Kennedy, Monika Poxon, Joan Darrah, Steve M. Hill, Casey McLauglin, Gary C. Ross, Shannon L. McLaughlin, Joshua Snyder, Stewart Bornhoft, Charlie Morgan, Daniel Henderson, Jerret Henderson, Victoria A. Hudson, Stephen McNabb, Dan Swezy, Karen Morgan. Leon E. Panetta served on 10/28/2011, answer due 11/18/2011. Acknowledgement filed by Jacqueline Kennedy; Monika Poxon; Joan Darrah; Steve M. Hill; Casey McLauglin; Gary C. Ross; Shannon L. McLaughlin; Joshua Snyder; Stewart Bornhoft; Charlie Morgan; Daniel Henderson; Jerret Henderson; Victoria A. Hudson; Stephen McNabb; Dan Swezy; Karen Morgan. (McClatchey, Ian) (Entered: 11/03/2011)

Nov. 3, 2011

Nov. 3, 2011

Reset Answer Deadlines for Eric H. Holder, Jr. Answer due by 12/26/2011 pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12 (a)(2) or (3) United States agency, or an officer or employee of the United States served. (Geraldino−Karasek, Clarilde) (Entered: 11/07/2011)

Nov. 7, 2011

Nov. 7, 2011

Reset Answer Deadlines for United States of America. Answer due by 12/26/2011 pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12 (a)(2) or (3) United States agency, or an officer or employee of the United States served. (Geraldino−Karasek, Clarilde) (Entered: 11/07/2011)

Nov. 7, 2011

Nov. 7, 2011

Reset Answer Deadlines for Eric K. Shinseki. Answer due by 12/27/2011 pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12 (a)(2) or (3) United States agency, or an officer or employee of the United States served. (Geraldino−Karasek, Clarilde) (Entered: 11/07/2011)

Nov. 7, 2011

Nov. 7, 2011

Reset Answer Deadlines for Leon E. Panetta. Answer due by 12/27/2011 pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12 (a)(2) or (3) United States agency, or an officer or employee of the United States served. (Geraldino−Karasek, Clarilde) (Entered: 11/07/2011)

Nov. 7, 2011

Nov. 7, 2011

11

AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE Executed by Jacqueline Kennedy, Monika Poxon, Joan Darrah, Steve M. Hill, Casey McLauglin, Gary C. Ross, Shannon L. McLaughlin, Joshua Snyder, Stewart Bornhoft, Charlie Morgan, Daniel Henderson, Jerret Henderson, Victoria A. Hudson, Stephen McNabb, Karen Morgan. United States of America, US Attorney Office served on 10/28/2011, answer due 12/27/2011. Acknowledgement filed by Jacqueline Kennedy; Monika Poxon; Joan Darrah; Steve M. Hill; Casey McLauglin; Gary C. Ross; Shannon L. McLaughlin; Joshua Snyder; Stewart Bornhoft; Charlie Morgan; Daniel Henderson; Jerret Henderson; Victoria A. Hudson; Stephen McNabb; Karen Morgan. (Geraldino−Karasek, Clarilde) (Entered: 11/07/2011)

Nov. 7, 2011

Nov. 7, 2011

ELECTRONIC NOTICE of Reassignment. Judge Richard G. Stearns added. Judge Joseph L. Tauro no longer assigned to case. (Folan, Karen) (Entered: 11/09/2011)

Nov. 9, 2011

Nov. 9, 2011

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 3 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice ; granting 4 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice ; granting 5 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice ; granting 2 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice (Flaherty, Elaine) (Entered: 11/15/2011)

Nov. 15, 2011

Nov. 15, 2011

12

NOTICE by Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group of the U.S. House of Representatives of Potential Intervenor (Kircher, Kerry) (Entered: 11/18/2011)

Nov. 18, 2011

Nov. 18, 2011

13

MOTION for Summary Judgment by Stewart Bornhoft, Joan Darrah, Daniel Henderson, Jerret Henderson, Steve M. Hill, Victoria A. Hudson, Jacqueline Kennedy, Shannon L. McLaughlin, Casey McLauglin, Stephen McNabb, Charlie Morgan, Karen Morgan, Monika Poxon, Gary C. Ross, Joshua Snyder, Dan Swezy.(McClatchey, Ian) (Entered: 11/21/2011)

Nov. 21, 2011

Nov. 21, 2011

14

MEMORANDUM in Support re 13 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by Stewart Bornhoft, Joan Darrah, Daniel Henderson, Jerret Henderson, Steve M. Hill, Victoria A. Hudson, Jacqueline Kennedy, Shannon L. McLaughlin, Casey McLauglin, Stephen McNabb, Charlie Morgan, Karen Morgan, Monika Poxon, Gary C. Ross, Joshua Snyder, Dan Swezy. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E, # 6 Exhibit F)(McClatchey, Ian) (Entered: 11/21/2011)

Nov. 21, 2011

Nov. 21, 2011

15

Statement of Material Facts L.R. 56.1 re 13 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by Stewart Bornhoft, Joan Darrah, Daniel Henderson, Jerret Henderson, Steve M. Hill, Victoria A. Hudson, Jacqueline Kennedy, Shannon L. McLaughlin, Casey McLauglin, Stephen McNabb, Charlie Morgan, Karen Morgan, Monika Poxon, Gary C. Ross, Joshua Snyder, Dan Swezy. (McClatchey, Ian) (Entered: 11/21/2011)

Nov. 21, 2011

Nov. 21, 2011

16

DECLARATION re 15 Statement of Material Facts L.R. 56.1, OF MAJ SHANNON L. MCLAUGHLIN by Stewart Bornhoft, Joan Darrah, Daniel Henderson, Jerret Henderson, Steve M. Hill, Victoria A. Hudson, Jacqueline Kennedy, Shannon L. McLaughlin, Casey McLauglin, Stephen McNabb, Charlie Morgan, Karen Morgan, Monika Poxon, Gary C. Ross, Joshua Snyder, Dan Swezy. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(McClatchey, Ian) (Entered: 11/21/2011)

Nov. 21, 2011

Nov. 21, 2011

17

DECLARATION re 15 Statement of Material Facts L.R. 56.1, OF LTC VICTORIA A. HUDSON by Stewart Bornhoft, Joan Darrah, Daniel Henderson, Jerret Henderson, Steve M. Hill, Victoria A. Hudson, Jacqueline Kennedy, Shannon L. McLaughlin, Casey McLauglin, Stephen McNabb, Charlie Morgan, Karen Morgan, Monika Poxon, Gary C. Ross, Joshua Snyder, Dan Swezy. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3, # 4 Exhibit 4)(McClatchey, Ian) (Entered: 11/21/2011)

Nov. 21, 2011

Nov. 21, 2011

18

DECLARATION re 15 Statement of Material Facts L.R. 56.1, OF COL STEWART BORNHOFT (RET) by Stewart Bornhoft, Joan Darrah, Daniel Henderson, Jerret Henderson, Steve M. Hill, Victoria A. Hudson, Jacqueline Kennedy, Shannon L. McLaughlin, Casey McLauglin, Stephen McNabb, Charlie Morgan, Karen Morgan, Monika Poxon, Gary C. Ross, Joshua Snyder, Dan Swezy. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2)(McClatchey, Ian) (Entered: 11/21/2011)

Nov. 21, 2011

Nov. 21, 2011

19

DECLARATION re 15 Statement of Material Facts L.R. 56.1, OF LT GARY C. ROSS by Stewart Bornhoft, Joan Darrah, Daniel Henderson, Jerret Henderson, Steve M. Hill, Victoria A. Hudson, Jacqueline Kennedy, Shannon L. McLaughlin, Casey McLauglin, Stephen McNabb, Charlie Morgan, Karen Morgan, Monika Poxon, Gary C. Ross, Joshua Snyder, Dan Swezy. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1)(McClatchey, Ian) (Entered: 11/21/2011)

Nov. 21, 2011

Nov. 21, 2011

21

DECLARATION re 15 Statement of Material Facts L.R. 56.1, OF A1C DANIEL HENDERSON by Stewart Bornhoft, Joan Darrah, Daniel Henderson, Jerret Henderson, Steve M. Hill, Victoria A. Hudson, Jacqueline Kennedy, Shannon L. McLaughlin, Casey McLauglin, Stephen McNabb, Charlie Morgan, Karen Morgan, Monika Poxon, Gary C. Ross, Joshua Snyder, Dan Swezy. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2)(McClatchey, Ian) (Entered: 11/21/2011)

Nov. 21, 2011

Nov. 21, 2011

22

DECLARATION re 15 Statement of Material Facts L.R. 56.1, OF CW2 CHARLIE MORGAN by Stewart Bornhoft, Joan Darrah, Daniel Henderson, Jerret Henderson, Steve M. Hill, Victoria A. Hudson, Jacqueline Kennedy, Shannon L. McLaughlin, Casey McLauglin, Stephen McNabb, Charlie Morgan, Karen Morgan, Monika Poxon, Gary C. Ross, Joshua Snyder, Dan Swezy. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2)(McClatchey, Ian) (Entered: 11/21/2011)

Nov. 21, 2011

Nov. 21, 2011

23

DECLARATION re 15 Statement of Material Facts L.R. 56.1, OF CAPT JOAN DARRAH (RET) by Stewart Bornhoft, Joan Darrah, Daniel Henderson, Jerret Henderson, Steve M. Hill, Victoria A. Hudson, Jacqueline Kennedy, Shannon L. McLaughlin, Casey McLauglin, Stephen McNabb, Charlie Morgan, Karen Morgan, Monika Poxon, Gary C. Ross, Joshua Snyder, Dan Swezy. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1)(McClatchey, Ian) (Entered: 11/21/2011)

Nov. 21, 2011

Nov. 21, 2011

24

NOTICE of Appearance by Jean Lin on behalf of Eric H. Holder, Jr., Leon E. Panetta, Eric K. Shinseki, United States of America (Lin, Jean) (Entered: 11/22/2011)

Nov. 22, 2011

Nov. 22, 2011

25

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE pursuant to LR 5.2 by Stewart Bornhoft, Joan Darrah, Daniel Henderson, Jerret Henderson, Steve M. Hill, Victoria A. Hudson, Jacqueline Kennedy, Shannon L. McLaughlin, Casey McLauglin, Stephen McNabb, Charlie Morgan, Karen Morgan, Monika Poxon, Gary C. Ross, Joshua Snyder, Dan Swezy re 20 Declaration, 16 Declaration, 21 Declaration, 17 Declaration, 15 Statement of Material Facts L.R. 56.1, 18 Declaration, 22 Declaration, 14 Memorandum in Support of Motion, 13 MOTION for Summary Judgment, 19 Declaration, 23 Declaration,. (McClatchey, Ian) (Entered: 11/22/2011)

Nov. 22, 2011

Nov. 22, 2011

26

Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to February 28, 2012 to answer or otherwise respond to Complaint and to respond to plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment by Eric H. Holder, Jr., Leon E. Panetta, Eric K. Shinseki, United States of America.(Lin, Jean) (Entered: 12/05/2011)

Dec. 5, 2011

Dec. 5, 2011

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 26 Motion for Extension of Time to 2/28/12 to respond to complaint (Flaherty, Elaine) Modified on 12/6/2011 (Flaherty, Elaine). (Entered: 12/06/2011)

Dec. 6, 2011

Dec. 6, 2011

Set/Reset Answer Deadlines for Eric H. Holder, Jr., Eric K. Shinseki, United States of America and respond to summary judgment by 02/28/12. (Flaherty, Elaine) (Entered: 12/06/2011)

Dec. 6, 2011

Dec. 6, 2011

Set/Reset Answer Deadlines for Eric H. Holder, Jr., Eric K. Shinseki, United States of America to 2/28/12. (Flaherty, Elaine) (Entered: 12/13/2011)

Dec. 13, 2011

Dec. 13, 2011

27

Joint MOTION to Stay Case for Sixty Days by Eric H. Holder, Jr., Leon E. Panetta, Eric K. Shinseki, United States of America.(Lin, Jean) (Entered: 02/14/2012)

Feb. 14, 2012

Feb. 14, 2012

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 27 Motion to Stay case for Sixty Days (April 28, 2012). (Seelye, Terri) (Entered: 02/15/2012)

Feb. 15, 2012

Feb. 15, 2012

28

NOTICE by Eric H. Holder, Jr., Leon E. Panetta, Eric K. Shinseki, United States of America (Attachments: # 1 Assistant Attorney General's Letter to the Court, # 2 Attorney General's Letter)(Lin, Jean) (Entered: 02/21/2012)

Feb. 21, 2012

Feb. 21, 2012

30

MOTION To set deadline for seeking intervention by Stewart Bornhoft, Joan Darrah, Daniel Henderson, Jerret Henderson, Steve M. Hill, Victoria A. Hudson, Jacqueline Kennedy, Shannon L. McLaughlin, Casey McLauglin, Stephen McNabb, Charlie Morgan, Karen Morgan, Monika Poxon, Gary C. Ross, Joshua Snyder, Dan Swezy.(McClatchey, Ian) (Entered: 04/11/2012)

April 11, 2012

April 11, 2012

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered denying 30 Motion to Set a Deadline for seeking intervention in this case. In light of the current posture of the case, the court sees no reason to set such a deadline. (Zierk, Marsha) (Entered: 04/12/2012)

April 12, 2012

April 12, 2012

31

Consent MOTION to Stay Obligations to Answer the Complaint and to Respond to Plaintiffs' Summary Judgment Motion by Eric H. Holder, Jr., Leon E. Panetta, Eric K. Shinseki, United States of America.(Lin, Jean) (Entered: 04/20/2012)

April 20, 2012

April 20, 2012

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 31 Motion to Stay response to summary judgment to twenty−one(21) days after the Court of Appeals issues a decision in 10−2204 and 10−2207. (Flaherty, Elaine) (Entered: 04/23/2012)

April 22, 2012

April 22, 2012

32

MOTION to Intervene by Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group of the U.S. House of Representatives. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3, # 4 Text of Proposed Order)(Bartolomucci, H.) (Entered: 05/01/2012)

May 1, 2012

May 1, 2012

33

MEMORANDUM in Support re 32 MOTION to Intervene filed by Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group of the U.S. House of Representatives. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E, # 6 Exhibit F, # 7 Exhibit G, # 8 Exhibit H, # 9 Exhibit I, # 10 Exhibit J)(Bartolomucci, H.) (Entered: 05/01/2012)

May 1, 2012

May 1, 2012

34

Opposition re 32 MOTION to Intervene filed by Shannon L. McLaughlin. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D)(McClatchey, Ian) (Entered: 05/09/2012)

May 9, 2012

May 9, 2012

35

MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages for Opposition to Motion to Intervene by Shannon L. McLaughlin. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum In Support of Motion to File Oversized Opposition, # 2 Proposed Order)(McClatchey, Ian) (Entered: 05/09/2012)

May 9, 2012

May 9, 2012

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 35 Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages ; Counsel using the Electronic Case Filing System should now file the document for which leave to file has been granted in accordance with the CM/ECF Administrative Procedures. Counsel must include − Leave to file granted on (date of order)− in the caption of the document. (Flaherty, Elaine) (Entered: 05/10/2012)

May 10, 2012

May 10, 2012

36

Opposition re 32 MOTION to Intervene filed by Shannon L. McLaughlin. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D)(McClatchey, Ian) (Entered: 05/10/2012)

May 10, 2012

May 10, 2012

37

RESPONSE to Motion re 32 MOTION to Intervene filed by Eric H. Holder, Jr., Leon E. Panetta, Eric K. Shinseki, United States of America. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Lin, Jean) (Entered: 05/15/2012)

May 15, 2012

May 15, 2012

38

MOTION for Leave to File Consolidated Reply Memorandum in Support of Motion to Intervene by Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group of the U.S. House of Representatives. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Bartolomucci, H.) (Entered: 05/15/2012)

May 15, 2012

May 15, 2012

39

MEMORANDUM in Support re 38 MOTION for Leave to File Consolidated Reply Memorandum in Support of Motion to Intervene filed by Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group of the U.S. House of Representatives. (Bartolomucci, H.) (Entered: 05/15/2012)

May 15, 2012

May 15, 2012

40

MOTION to Stay or, in the Alternative, for An Extension of Time, (with partial consent) by Eric H. Holder, Jr., Leon E. Panetta, Eric K. Shinseki, United States of America.(Lin, Jean) (Entered: 06/05/2012)

June 5, 2012

June 5, 2012

41

RESPONSE to Motion re 40 MOTION to Stay or, in the Alternative, for An Extension of Time, (with partial consent) filed by Shannon L. McLaughlin. (McClatchey, Ian) (Entered: 06/06/2012)

June 6, 2012

June 6, 2012

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 40 Motion to Stay. This case will be stayed until thirty (30) days after the First Circuit issues its mandate in Massachusetts v. U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, 2012 WL 1948017 (1st Cir. 2012). (RGS, law3) (Entered: 06/06/2012)

June 6, 2012

June 6, 2012

42

NOTICE by Stewart Bornhoft, Joan Darrah, Daniel Henderson, Jerret Henderson, Steve M. Hill, Victoria A. Hudson, Jacqueline Kennedy, Shannon L. McLaughlin, Casey McLauglin, Stephen McNabb, Charlie Morgan, Karen Morgan, Monika Poxon, Gary C. Ross, Joshua Snyder, Dan Swezy of the Death of Plaintiff Chief Warrant Officer Charlie Morgan (McClatchey, Ian) (Entered: 02/12/2013)

Feb. 12, 2013

Feb. 12, 2013

43

ELECTRONIC ENDORSEMENT re 42 Notice (Other), filed by Joshua Snyder, Charlie Morgan, Joan Darrah, Jerret Henderson, Victoria A. Hudson, Steve M. Hill, Casey McLauglin, Karen Morgan, Stephen McNabb, Stewart Bornhoft, Daniel Henderson, Jacqueline Kennedy, Gary C. Ross, Shannon L. McLaughlin, Monika Poxon, Dan Swezy "The passing of Chief Warrant Officer Charlie Morgan is recorded on the court docket. The court extends sympathies to spouse Karen Morgan." (Flaherty, Elaine) (Entered: 02/13/2013)

Feb. 13, 2013

Feb. 13, 2013

44

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered. In light of the United States Supreme Court's decision in United States v. WIndsor, 570 U.S. __ (June 26, 2013) ("The federal statute [DOMA] is invalid, for no legitimate purpose overcomes the purpose and effect to disparage and to injure those whom the State, by its marriage laws, sought to protect in personhood and dignity. By seeking to displace this protection and treating those persons as living in marriages less respected than others, the federal statute is in violation of the Fifth Amendment."), the court asks the parties to submit within twenty ones days any reasons why judgment should not enter for plaintiffs in this case..(Zierk, Marsha) (Entered: 06/27/2013)

June 27, 2013

June 27, 2013

45

MOTION for the Court to Enter a Judgment on Their Fifth Amendment Claims by Stewart Bornhoft, Joan Darrah, Daniel Henderson, Jerret Henderson, Steve M. Hill, Victoria A. Hudson, Jacqueline Kennedy, Shannon L. McLaughlin, Casey McLauglin, Stephen McNabb, Charlie Morgan, Karen Morgan, Monika Poxon, Gary C. Ross, Joshua Snyder, Dan Swezy.(Lowell, Abbe) Modified on 7/18/2013 (Flaherty, Elaine). (Entered: 07/17/2013)

July 17, 2013

July 17, 2013

46

Consent MOTION to Withdraw as Intervenor−Defendant by Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group of the U.S. House of Representatives. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Bartolomucci, H.) (Entered: 07/18/2013)

July 18, 2013

July 18, 2013

47

RESPONSE TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE by Eric H. Holder, Jr., Leon E. Panetta, Eric K. Shinseki, United States of America. (Lin, Jean) (Entered: 07/18/2013)

July 18, 2013

July 18, 2013

48

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 46 Motion to Withdraw (Flaherty, Elaine) (Entered: 07/19/2013)

July 19, 2013

July 19, 2013

49

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered regarding parties' response to show cause. In light of the Department of Defense's change to its definitional provisions of "spouse" in Titles 10 and 32 to include same−sex spouses, and its representation to expeditiously make available benefits provided under Titles 10 and 32 to same−sex spouses of service members, the court will continue the stay in this case. The court expects a status report from the Department of Defense on September 9, 2013, regarding its implementation of military and veterans' benefits for eligible same−sex spouses. SO ORDERED.(Zierk, Marsha) (Entered: 07/19/2013)

July 19, 2013

July 19, 2013

50

STATUS REPORT by Eric H. Holder, Jr., Leon E. Panetta. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C)(Lin, Jean) (Entered: 09/09/2013)

Sept. 9, 2013

Sept. 9, 2013

51

Plaintiffs' Response by Stewart Bornhoft, Joan Darrah, Daniel Henderson, Jerret Henderson, Steve M. Hill, Victoria A. Hudson, Jacqueline Kennedy, Shannon L. McLaughlin, Casey McLauglin, Stephen McNabb, Charlie Morgan, Karen Morgan, Monika Poxon, Gary C. Ross, Joshua Snyder, Dan Swezy to 50 Status Report . (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D)(McClatchey, Ian) (Entered: 09/10/2013)

Sept. 10, 2013

Sept. 10, 2013

52

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered. The court agrees that a declaratory judgment is appropriate in this case, and asks the parties to collaborate on a simple and straight−forward draft form of judgment, submitting it for the court's review by September 30, 2013. (Zierk, Marsha) (Entered: 09/12/2013)

Sept. 12, 2013

Sept. 12, 2013

53

RESPONSE TO COURT ORDER by Eric H. Holder, Jr., Leon E. Panetta, Eric K. Shinseki, United States of America (Joint Response) . (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A (Proposed Judgment))(Lin, Jean) (Entered: 09/30/2013)

Sept. 30, 2013

Sept. 30, 2013

54

Errata by Eric H. Holder, Jr., Leon E. Panetta, Eric K. Shinseki, United States of America to 53 Response to Court Order (Corrected Proposed Judgment) . (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A (Proposed Judgment))(Lin, Jean) (Entered: 09/30/2013)

Sept. 30, 2013

Sept. 30, 2013

55

Judge Richard G. Stearns: JUDGMENT, ENTERED. (Flaherty, Elaine) (Entered: 10/02/2013)

Oct. 2, 2013

Oct. 2, 2013

56

MOTION for Attorney Fees by Stewart Bornhoft, Joan Darrah, Daniel Henderson, Jerret Henderson, Steve M. Hill, Victoria A. Hudson, Jacqueline Kennedy, Shannon L. McLaughlin, Casey McLauglin, Stephen McNabb, Charlie Morgan, Karen Morgan, Monika Poxon, Gary C. Ross, Joshua Snyder, Dan Swezy. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum In Support, # 2 Text of Proposed Order, # 3 Declaration of Abbe David Lowell, # 4 Declaration of Christopher D. Man, # 5 Declaration of John M. Goodman, # 6 Declaration of David McKean)(McClatchey, Ian) (Entered: 10/28/2013)

Oct. 28, 2013

Oct. 28, 2013

57

Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 56 MOTION for Attorney Fees by Eric H. Holder, Jr., Leon E. Panetta, Eric K. Shinseki, United States of America. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Lin, Jean) (Entered: 10/29/2013)

Oct. 29, 2013

Oct. 29, 2013

58

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 57 Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply re 56 MOTION for Attorney Fees Responses due by 12/11/2013 (Flaherty, Elaine) (Entered: 10/30/2013)

Oct. 30, 2013

Oct. 30, 2013

59

MEMORANDUM in Opposition re 56 MOTION for Attorney Fees filed by Eric H. Holder, Jr., Leon E. Panetta, Eric K. Shinseki, United States of America. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit (A through E))(Lin, Jean) (Entered: 12/11/2013)

Dec. 11, 2013

Dec. 11, 2013

60

MOTION for Leave to File a Reply Brief in Support of Plaintifs' Application for an Award of Attorneys' Fees and Costs by Stewart Bornhoft, Joan Darrah, Daniel Henderson, Jerret Henderson, Steve M. Hill, Victoria A. Hudson, Jacqueline Kennedy, Shannon L. McLaughlin, Casey McLauglin, Stephen McNabb, Charlie Morgan, Karen Morgan, Monika Poxon, Gary C. Ross, Joshua Snyder, Dan Swezy. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A − Reply Brief in Support of Plaintiffs' Application for An Award of Attorneys' Fees and Costs)(McClatchey, Ian) (Entered: 12/16/2013)

Dec. 16, 2013

Dec. 16, 2013

61

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 60 Motion for Leave to File Reply; Counsel should now file the Reply in accordance with the CM/ECF Administrative Procedures. Counsel must include − Leave to file granted on 12/16/2013 −− in the caption of the Reply. (Zierk, Marsha) (Entered: 12/16/2013)

Dec. 16, 2013

Dec. 16, 2013

63

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ORDER entered denying 56 Motion for Attorney Fees (Zierk, Marsha)

Dec. 17, 2013

Dec. 17, 2013

RECAP
64

NOTICE OF APPEAL as to 63 Order on Motion for Attorney Fees by Stewart Bornhoft, Joan Darrah, Daniel Henderson, Jerret Henderson, Steve M. Hill, Victoria A. Hudson, Jacqueline Kennedy, Shannon L. McLaughlin, Casey McLauglin, Stephen McNabb, Charlie Morgan, Karen Morgan, Monika Poxon, Gary C. Ross, Joshua Snyder, Dan Swezy Filing fee: $ 505, receipt number 0101−4797693 Fee Status: Not Exempt. NOTICE TO COUNSEL: A Transcript Report/Order Form, which can be downloaded from the First Circuit Court of Appeals web site at http://www.ca1.uscourts.gov MUST be completed and submitted to the Court of Appeals. Counsel shall register for a First Circuit CM/ECF Appellate Filer Account at http://pacer.psc.uscourts.gov/cmecf. Counsel shall also review the First Circuit requirements for electronic filing by visiting the CM/ECF Information section at http://www.ca1.uscourts.gov/cmecf. US District Court Clerk to deliver official record to Court of Appeals by 1/27/2014. (McClatchey, Ian) (Entered: 01/06/2014)

Jan. 6, 2014

Jan. 6, 2014

65

Certified and Transmitted Abbreviated Electronic Record on Appeal to US Court of Appeals re 64 Notice of Appeal (Paine, Matthew) (Entered: 01/07/2014)

Jan. 7, 2014

Jan. 7, 2014

66

USCA Case Number 14−1035 for 64 Notice of Appeal filed by Joshua Snyder, Charlie Morgan, Joan Darrah, Jerret Henderson, Victoria A. Hudson, Steve M. Hill, Casey McLauglin, Karen Morgan, Stephen McNabb, Stewart Bornhoft, Daniel Henderson, Jacqueline Kennedy, Gary C. Ross, Shannon L. McLaughlin, Monika Poxon, Dan Swezy. (Paine, Matthew) (Entered: 01/07/2014)

Jan. 7, 2014

Jan. 7, 2014

67

Joint MOTION to Alter Judgment Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 60(a) by Stewart Bornhoft, Joan Darrah, Daniel Henderson, Jerret Henderson, Steve M. Hill, Victoria A. Hudson, Jacqueline Kennedy, Shannon L. McLaughlin, Casey McLauglin, Stephen McNabb, Karen Morgan, Monika Poxon, Gary C. Ross, Joshua Snyder, Dan Swezy. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Judgment)(McClatchey, Ian) (Entered: 02/03/2014)

Feb. 3, 2014

Feb. 3, 2014

68

Judge Richard G. Stearns: (AMENDED) Judgment, ENTERED. (Flaherty, Elaine) (Entered: 02/04/2014)

Feb. 4, 2014

Feb. 4, 2014

69

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 67 Motion to Alter Judgment. (Zierk, Marsha) (Entered: 02/04/2014)

Feb. 4, 2014

Feb. 4, 2014

70

Doc. 56−1 re−docketed to correct docket. (Flaherty, Elaine) (Entered: 08/20/2014)

Aug. 20, 2014

Aug. 20, 2014

71

OPINION of USCA as to 64 Notice of Appeal filed by Joshua Snyder, Charlie Morgan, Joan Darrah, Jerret Henderson, Victoria A. Hudson, Steve M. Hill, Casey McLauglin, Karen Morgan, Stephen McNabb, Stewart Bornhoft, Daniel Henderson, Jacqueline Kennedy, Gary C. Ross, Shannon L. McLaughlin, Monika Poxon, Dan Swezy. (Paine, Matthew) (Entered: 09/24/2014)

Sept. 23, 2014

Sept. 23, 2014

72

USCA Judgment as to 64 Notice of Appeal filed by Joshua Snyder, Charlie Morgan, Joan Darrah, Jerret Henderson, Victoria A. Hudson, Steve M. Hill, Casey McLauglin, Karen Morgan, Stephen McNabb, Stewart Bornhoft, Daniel Henderson, Jacqueline Kennedy, Gary C. Ross, Shannon L. McLaughlin, Monika Poxon, Dan Swezy. AFFIRMED. (Paine, Matthew) (Entered: 09/24/2014)

Sept. 23, 2014

Sept. 23, 2014

Case Details

State / Territory: Massachusetts

Case Type(s):

Public Benefits/Government Services

Special Collection(s):

Same-Sex Marriage

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: Oct. 27, 2011

Closing Date: Sept. 23, 2014

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Plaintiffs are former service members of the U.S. Armed Forces, married to people of their same sex.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

United States, Federal

Case Details

Causes of Action:

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

Constitutional Clause(s):

Federalism (including 10th Amendment)

Equal Protection

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Any published opinion

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Order Duration: 2013 - None

Content of Injunction:

Discrimination Prohibition

Issues

General:

Marriage

Public benefits (includes, e.g., in-state tuition, govt. jobs)

LGBTQ+:

LGBTQ+

Discrimination-basis:

Sexual orientation