Case: Yaser Esam Hamdi v. Rumsfeld

2:02-cv-00439 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia

Filed Date: May 10, 2002

Closed Date: Oct. 12, 2004

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

Yaser Esam Hamdi was captured by American military forces in Afghanistan as an alleged member of the Taliban. He was transported with his unit from Afghanistan to a prison in Afghanistan before being moved again to Guantanamo Bay. When American officials discovered that Hamdi was an American citizen, he was transported to the Norfolk Naval Brig. While detained in Norfolk, he was denied access to counsel.On May 10, 2002, the Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of Virginia filed a pe…

Yaser Esam Hamdi was captured by American military forces in Afghanistan as an alleged member of the Taliban. He was transported with his unit from Afghanistan to a prison in Afghanistan before being moved again to Guantanamo Bay. When American officials discovered that Hamdi was an American citizen, he was transported to the Norfolk Naval Brig. While detained in Norfolk, he was denied access to counsel.

On May 10, 2002, the Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of Virginia filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus under 28 U.S.C. § 2242 as “next friend” of Yaser Esam Hamdi, a detainee captured as an alleged enemy combatant during military operations in Afghanistan. Christian Peregrim, a private citizen, also filed a petition on behalf of Hamdi. Both petitions were filed in the Eastern District of Virginia. After a hearing on May 29, the district court consolidated the two petitions. The district court determined that the petitions were properly filed and ordered the Public Defender to have unmonitored access to Hamdi. The court mandated that 72 hours from the time of the decision, the Public Defender would interview Hamdi if Hamdi so desired. The government sought a stay pending appeal on May 31, which the Fourth Circuit granted.

On June 26, 2002, the Fourth Circuit reversed the district court’s decision. 294 F.3d 598. In an opinion written by Judge Wilkinson, the Court found that Hamdi was inaccessible and thus could not appear on his own behalf, but determined that neither the Public Defender nor Peregrim had a preexisting relationship with Hamdi to satisfy the second element of the “next friend” test. The Fourth Circuit did not specify how significant such a relationship must be to satisfy the test, but simply determined that the lack of any preexisting relationship failed the test. As such, the court reversed the district court’s decision and remanded the case to be dismissed for lack of subject-matter jurisdiction.

While the Public Defender and Peregrim’s petitions were still pending, Hamdi’s father filed a separate writ of habeas corpus under 28 U.S.C. §§ 2241 & 2242, also in the Eastern District of Virginia and also before Judge Doumar. The petition alleged that the government’s detention of Hamdi without charges, access to a judicial tribunal, or the right to counsel violated his Fifth and Fourteenth Amendment rights as an American citizen. The petition sought declaratory relief asserting the unlawfulness of Hamdi’s detention, injunctive relief to cease all interrogations of Hamdi during litigation, and the release of Hamdi from detention. On June 11, the Court determined that (unlike the Public Defender and Peregrim), under the Fourth Circuit's test, Hamdi’s father could proceed as “next friend” and appointed the Public Defender as counsel for Hamdi. The Court ordered that Hamdi, his father, the Public Defender, and an interpreter would have an unmonitored meeting. The district court stayed the order to allow the government to appeal.

On July 12, 2002, the Fourth Circuit again reversed and remanded the district court’s decision. 296 F.3d 278. This time, again in an opinion written by Judge Wilkinson, the Fourth Circuit found that the district court failed to consider the consequences of its order on national security. The Court stated that Hamdi had been classified by the government as an “enemy combatant,” which restricts his access to counsel. The Fourth Circuit noted the separation of powers implications in this case, and determined that the lower court did not grant proper deference due to the purported national security interests. The Fourth Circuit instructed the district court to consider the most cautious procedures first, on remand.

On August 5, 2002, the defendants moved to dismiss the petition. The defendants conceded that Hamdi’s status was subject to judicial review, but argued that it had provided sufficient factual basis for the district court to dismiss the writ of habeas corpus. The defendants attached a declaration from Special Advisor to the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Michael Mobbs to their response. The Mobbs Declaration “set forth . . . the sole evidentiary support” for Hamdi’s status as an unlawful enemy combatant. Relying on his involvement in the detention of enemy combatants and familiarity with the “facts and circumstances” of Hamdi’s capture, Mobbs said that Hamdi “traveled to Afghanistan” in July or August 2001, “affiliated with a Taliban military unit and received weapons training,” and was with his unit when it “surrendered” to the coalition forces. Judge Doumar, in an opinion decided on August 14, found that the declaration fell short of justifying Hamdi’s detention. 243 F. Supp. 2d 527. Judge Doumar acknowledged the deference afforded to political branches in matters of military affairs, but also determined that courts are entitled to judicial review when military designations of individuals infringe on constitutional liberties of American citizens. The court found that the Mobbs Declaration (see text of Mobbs Declaration here), only two pages long, failed to adequately explain why Hamdi was being detained or the authority that a “Special Advisor” possesses in regards to classification of enemy combatants. As such, Judge Doumar found the document was insufficient to determine whether the screening criteria used to classify Hamdi violated the detainee’s Fifth Amendment rights. In order to conduct a meaningful judicial review, the district court ordered the defendants to produce additional documents related to Hamdi’s detention, including Hamdi’s statements from interviews, the names of interrogators who questioned Hamdi, and information about the circumstances of Hamdi’s capture. The defendants filed an interlocutory appeal on August 19 and moved to stay the proceedings.

In an opinion written by Judge Wilkinson on January 8, 2003, the Fourth Circuit reversed the district court’s order and remanded the case with instructions to dismiss the petition. 316 F.3d 450. Hamdi’s petition and various amici argued for relief on two legal grounds. First, they argued that there is no congressional sanction for his incarceration, and therefore 18 U.S.C. § 4001 (“[n]o citizen shall be imprisoned or otherwise detained by the United States except pursuant to an Act of Congress”) prohibits his continued detention. The Fourth Circuit rejected this argument, finding that Congress authorized the President to “use all necessary and appropriate force” against those that planned or aided in the terrorist attacks. The Court stated that the detention of enemy combatants prevented them from rejoining the enemy forces, and alleviated American military commanders of the need to litigate the circumstances of capture in the midst of armed conflict. Second, the petitioners argued that Hamdi’s detention violated Article 5 of the Geneva Convention. The Court rejected this argument too, finding that the Geneva Convention is not self-executing. Having rejected both forms of relief sought by petitioners, the court also determined that the district court’s production order could not stand. The court noted the district court’s production order risked “standing the warmaking powers of Articles I and II on their heads.” Such extensive production related to sensitive matters, the Fourth Circuit found, would be too costly in terms of efficiency and morale of American forces. Finally, when deciding whether to remand with orders to dismiss or proceed further, the Fourth Circuit determined that the Mobbs Declaration was sufficient justification for detention and ordered the petition to be dismissed. The authority for Hamdi’s detention derived from the President’s war power under Article II, Section 2. When it applied a deferential review to the Mobbs Declaration, the Fourth Circuit found it sufficient to support Hamdi’s continued detention. The Court determined that Hamdi could not rebut the government’s factual assertions in an Article III court because doing so would encroach into the executive branch’s military powers.

On July 9, 2003, the Fourth Circuit denied the petitioners’ motion for rehearing en banc. 337 F.3d 335. Judge Wilkinson and Judge Traxler wrote concurring opinions explaining their reasons for denying the petitioners’ motion. Judge Luttig and Judge Motz filed dissenting opinions articulating why they would have granted the motion. The Supreme Court granted certiorari on January 9, 2004. 124 S. Ct. 981.

The Supreme Court published its decision on June 28, 2004 in which it vacated the Fourth Circuit’s judgment and remanded the case for further proceedings. 542 U.S. 507. Justice O’Connor wrote the plurality opinion, which was joined by Chief Justice Rehnquist, Justice Kennedy, and Justice Breyer. The defendants defined “enemy combatant” in this situation as someone who was “part of or supporting forces hostile to the United States or coalition partners” in Afghanistan and who allegedly “engaged in an armed conflict against the United States.” Therefore, the Court addressed the narrow question of whether the detention of citizens falling within that definition is not authorized.

The Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) authorizes the President to use “all necessary and appropriate force” against “nations, organizations, or persons” associated with the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Justice O’Connor found that members of the Taliban would fall within the category of people that Congress considered in passing the AUMF, and therefore the President has the authority to detain them as part of his “necessary and appropriate” powers to prevent them from returning to the battlefield. This legislative authority extends only to those individuals determined to be enemy combatants with sufficient clarity; the Court did not opine on whether detention is lawful where that designation was disputed.

Assuming that Hamdi was legally detained, Justice O’Connor considered whether he was afforded his procedural due process rights. Applying the Mathews v. Eldridge test, the Court found that Hamdi’s private interest is the most elemental of liberty interests--the interest in being free from physical detention by one’s own government. On the other side of the scale, the Court noted the Government’s weighty interests in ensuring that enemy combatants do not return to the battlefield. The Court held that a citizen-detainee seeking to challenge his classification as an enemy combatant must receive notice of the factual basis for his classification, and a fair opportunity to rebut the Government’s factual assertions before a neutral decision maker.

Justice Souter, joined by Justice Ginsburg, wrote an opinion that concurred in the judgment, but dissented in the reasoning. Justice Souter found that Hamdi’s detention was forbidden by 18 U.S.C. § 4001, and therefore he determined that the other constitutional questions reached by the plurality opinion were unnecessary.

Justice Scalia wrote a dissenting opinion joined by Justice Stevens which argued that, based on historical precedent, the government had only two options to detain Hamdi: either Congress must suspend the right to habeas corpus, or Hamdi must be tried under normal criminal law. But Justice Scalia found that it was improper for the Court to establish new procedures that would be applicable in a challenge to Hamdi's detention.

Justice Thomas wrote a separate dissenting opinion that essentially affirmed the Fourth Circuit’s broad view of executive power, and found the judicial branch lacking in the expertise and capacity needed to second-guess the executive’s wartime decision.

On remand, Hamdi filed an amended petition for writ of habeas corpus on August 25, 2004. On October 5, the Court ordered that the government either return Hamdi to Saudi Arabia or else present him for an evidentiary hearing along with copies of all statements made by Hamdi. The government elected to return Hamdi to Saudi Arabia, and the evidentiary documents remained under seal. The case was dismissed with prejudice after the parties settled on October 12, 2004. The settlement agreement included provisions outlining Hamdi's return to Saudi Arabia, his renunciation of terrorism and the Taliban, and stipulations around future travel restrictions for Hamdi. The case is now closed.

Summary Authors

Justin Hill (7/1/2020)

People


Judge(s)

Breyer, Stephen Gerald (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Plaintiff
Attorney for Defendant

Clement, Paul D. (District of Columbia)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Bartram, Darin R (District of Columbia)

Benjamin, Steven (Virginia)

Casey, Lee A (District of Columbia)

Judge(s)

Breyer, Stephen Gerald (District of Columbia)

Doumar, Robert George (Virginia)

Ginsburg, Ruth Bader (District of Columbia)

Kennedy, Anthony McLeod (District of Columbia)

Luttig, J. Michael (Virginia)

Motz, J. Frederick (Maryland)

O'Connor, Sandra Day (District of Columbia)

Souter, David Hackett (District of Columbia)

Traxler, William Byrd Jr. (Virginia)

Wilkins, Robert Leon (District of Columbia)

Wilkinson, J. Harvie III (District of Columbia)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

2:02-cv-00439

Docket

Dec. 11, 2006

Dec. 11, 2006

Docket
13

02-06827

Opinion

Hamdi v. Rumsfeld

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

June 26, 2002

June 26, 2002

Order/Opinion

294 F.3d 294

21

02-06895

Opinion

Hamdi v. Rumsfeld

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

July 12, 2002

July 12, 2002

Order/Opinion

296 F.3d 296

43

2:02-cv-00439

Order

Hamdi v. Rumsfeld

Aug. 16, 2002

Aug. 16, 2002

Order/Opinion

243 F.Supp.2d 243

02-07338

Opinion

Hamdi v. Rumsfeld

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

Jan. 8, 2003

Jan. 8, 2003

Order/Opinion

316 F.3d 316

02-07338

Order

Hamdi v. Rumsfeld

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

July 9, 2003

July 9, 2003

Order/Opinion

337 F.3d 337

03-06696

Opinion

Hamdi v. Rumsfeld

Supreme Court of the United States

June 28, 2004

June 28, 2004

Order/Opinion

542 U.S. 542

86

2:02-cv-00439

Stipulation of Dismissal

Hamdi v. Rumsfeld

Oct. 12, 2004

Oct. 12, 2004

Settlement Agreement

Resources

Docket

Last updated Jan. 26, 2024, 3:11 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

PETITION for writ of habeas corpus; FILING FEE $5.00; RECEIPT #34655 (vwar) (Entered: 06/11/2002)

June 11, 2002

June 11, 2002

CASE REFERRED to Magistrate Judge James E. Bradberry (vwar) (Entered: 06/11/2002)

June 11, 2002

June 11, 2002

2

ORDER that the petition be filed; further ordering that this case and case 2:02cv348 and 2:02cv382 be consolidated; ordering that this case be consolidated with those cases subject to the USCA for the 4th Circuit allowing such consolidation; ordering that the federal public defender's office and/or Frank Dunham and/or Larry Shelton be appointed counsel for the petitioner; ordering that the respondents answer this order to show cause by 12:00 noon on 6/17/02; ordering that the respondents allow either Frank Dunham or Larry Shelton the opportunity to meet with Yaser Esam Hamdi within 72 hours of the entry of this order or immediately following the elimination of the any stay of this order, an interpreter with the appropriate government security clearance will be allowed to attend the meeting; ordering that this order is stayed until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, 6/14/02 to allow the respondents an opportunity to appeal this order or if the USCA allows a consolidation with the other pending cases until further order of the Court of Appeals, entered and filed 6/11/02 ( signed by Judge Robert G. Doumar ) Copies Mailed: 6/11/02 [EOD Date: 6/11/02] (vwar) (Entered: 06/11/2002)

June 11, 2002

June 11, 2002

CASE REFERRED to Mag Judge James E. Bradberry (afor) (Entered: 04/22/2004)

June 11, 2002

June 11, 2002

3

U.S. Marshals return of service, Returned Executed as to Donald H. Rumsfeld, Commander W.R. Paulette 6/12/02 Answer due on 8/12/02 for Commander W.R. Paulette, for Donald H. Rumsfeld (jcow) (Entered: 06/12/2002)

June 12, 2002

June 12, 2002

4

ORDER that the petition be served upon the respondents and the US Attorney, directing the clerk to forward copies of both the petition and this order by fax and US mail to all counsel of record in the consolidated action, to Gregory Garre of the US Department of Justice, to the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and to Yaser Esam Hamdi, further directing the clerk to forward a copy of both the petition and this order to the US Marshal for service of both upon the respondents and the US Attorney; directing the US Marshal's office to serve both the petition and this order upon the respondents and the US Attorney, entered and filed 6/12/02 ( signed by Judge Robert G. Doumar ) Copies Mailed: 6/12/02 [EOD Date: 6/12/02] (jcow) (Entered: 06/12/2002)

June 12, 2002

June 12, 2002

5

NOTICE OF APPEAL by Donald H. Rumsfeld, Commander W.R. Paulette (jcow) (Entered: 06/13/2002)

June 13, 2002

June 13, 2002

6

Copy of USCA Order Granting the emergency motion for temporary stay and staying the district court's order of 6/11/02, pending this Court's ruling on appellants' motion for a stay pending appeal of that order; directing appellees to file a response to the motion for stay pending appeal to be received by the clerk no later than 2:00pm on 6/14/02. (jcow) (Entered: 06/13/2002)

June 13, 2002

June 13, 2002

7

Copy of USCA Order Granting a stay of the district court's June 11 order in this case, the Court further stays all proceedings before the district court in connection with this detainee until resolution of this appeal and appeal No. 02 − 6827; all stays shall remain in effect pending further order of this Court; directing the parties to file briefs on the merits of the appeal. (jcow) (Entered: 06/17/2002)

June 17, 2002

June 17, 2002

8

U.S. Marshal Service Process form Returned Executed as to Donald H. Rumsfeld, Commander W.R. Paulette 6/13/02 (jcow) (Entered: 06/18/2002)

June 18, 2002

June 18, 2002

USCA Case Number Re: [5 − 1] appeal by Commander W.R. Paulette, Donald H. Rumsfeld CASE MANAGER: Lisa Jernigan USCA NUMBER: 02 − 6895 (jcow) (Entered: 06/19/2002)

June 19, 2002

June 19, 2002

9

Copy of USCA Order directing tht oral argument in appeal No. 02 − 6895 be scheduled for 6/25/02 at 2:30 (jcow) (Entered: 06/21/2002)

June 20, 2002

June 20, 2002

10

Two U.S. Marshals Service process receipt and return forms Returned Executed as to Donald H. Rumsfeld 6/12/02 (jcow) (Entered: 06/21/2002)

June 21, 2002

June 21, 2002

11

SUMMONS Returned Executed as to Donald H. Rumsfeld 6/19/02 (jcow) (Entered: 06/27/2002)

June 27, 2002

June 27, 2002

12

Advanced copy of Opinion of USCA re: [5 − 1] appeal by Commander W.R. Paulette, Donald H. Rumsfeld − REVERSED AND REMANDED by published opinion (lbax) Modified on 07/17/2002 (Entered: 07/16/2002)

July 15, 2002

July 15, 2002

13

TRANSCRIPT OF PROCEEDINGS for dates of 7/18/02, before USDJ Robert G. Doumar, OCR − Penny C. Wile (vwar) (Entered: 07/18/2002)

July 18, 2002

July 18, 2002

14

Court Proceedings: RGD, USDJ. Counsel appeared. Came on for scheduling conference. Govt. to answer petition on or before 12:00 p.m., 7/25/02; replies due on or before 12:00 p.m., 7/30/02. Govt. to file any motion to terminate appointment of counsel on or before 12:00 p.m., 7/23/02; replies due on or before 7/24/02. Rule 26 disclosures due on or before 12:00 p.m., 7/22/02. (bwin) (Entered: 07/18/2002)

July 18, 2002

July 18, 2002

15

Advanced copy of Opinion of USCA re: [5 − 1] appeal by Commander W.R. Paulette, Donald H. Rumsfeld 7/12/02 (jcow) (Entered: 07/19/2002)

July 19, 2002

July 19, 2002

16

Respondents' Rule 26 Statement filed by Donald H. Rumsfeld, Commander W.R. Paulette (jcow) (Entered: 07/22/2002)

July 22, 2002

July 22, 2002

17

ORDER that the US Attorney either submit the disclosures required by Rule 26 or make a proper motion for relief by 7/24/02 at noon, entered and filed 7/22/02 ( signed by Judge Robert G. Doumar ) Copies Mailed: 7/22/02 [EOD Date: 7/23/02] (jcow) (Entered: 07/23/2002)

July 22, 2002

July 22, 2002

18

Response by Yaser Esam Hamdi to respondents' refusal to file Rule 26 disclosures filed [16 − 1] by Commander W.R. Paulette, Donald H. Rumsfeld (jcow) (Entered: 07/23/2002)

July 23, 2002

July 23, 2002

19

MOTION by Commander W.R. Paulette, Donald H. Rumsfeld to terminate appointment of counsel or in the alternative to require counsel to show cause why the financial eligibility requirements of 18 U.S.C. 3006A are met (jcow) (Entered: 07/23/2002)

July 23, 2002

July 23, 2002

20

MEMORANDUM in support of [19 − 1] motion to terminate appointment of counsel or in the alternative to require counsel to show cause why the financial eligibility requirements of 18 U.S.C. 3006A are met by Commander W.R. Paulette,

July 23, 2002

July 23, 2002

22

MOTION by Commander W.R. Paulette, Donald H. Rumsfeld for relief from this court's order dated July 18, 2002 requiring the government to file Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(a)(1) initial disclosures (jcow) (Entered: 07/24/2002)

July 24, 2002

July 24, 2002

23

MEMORANDUM in support of [22 − 1] motion by Commander W.R. Paulette, Donald H. Rumsfeld for relief from this court's order dated July 18, 2002 requiring the government to file Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(a)(1) initial disclosures, received (jcow) (Entered: 07/24/2002)

July 24, 2002

July 24, 2002

24

TRANSCRIPT of telephonic conference for date of 7/24/02 before U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar, Penny Wile, OCR (jcow) (Entered: 07/25/2002)

July 24, 2002

July 24, 2002

25

ANSWER to Complaint by Donald H. Rumsfeld, Commander W.R. Paulette (jcow) (Entered: 07/25/2002)

July 25, 2002

July 25, 2002

25

MOTION with Memorandum in Support by Commander W.R. Paulette, Donald H. Rumsfeld to Dismiss (jcow) (Entered: 07/25/2002)

July 25, 2002

July 25, 2002

26

MOTION by Commander W.R. Paulette, Donald H. Rumsfeld for Gregory George Garre to appear pro hac vice (jcow) (Entered: 07/25/2002)

July 25, 2002

July 25, 2002

27

RESPONSE by Yaser Esam Hamdi, Esam Fouad Hamdi to [22 − 1] motion for relief from this court's July 18, 2002 order by Commander W.R. Paulette, Donald H. Rumsfeld (jcow) (Entered: 07/26/2002)

July 26, 2002

July 26, 2002

28

REPLY by Donald H. Rumsfeld, Commander W.R. Paulette to response to [19 − 1] motion by Commander W.R. Paulette, Donald H. Rumsfeld by Commander W.R. Paulette, Donald H. Rumsfeld (jcow) (Entered: 07/26/2002)

July 26, 2002

July 26, 2002

So Ordered: granting [26 − 1] motion by Commander W.R. Paulette, Donald H. Rumsfeld for Gregory George Garre to appear pro hac vice, fee waiver granted, entered and filed 7/29/02 ( signed by Judge Robert G. Doumar ) Copies Mailed: 7/29/02 (jcow) (Entered: 07/29/2002)

July 29, 2002

July 29, 2002

29

RESPONSE by Yaser Esam Hamdi, Esam Fouad Hamdi to [25 − 1] motion to Dismiss by Commander W.R. Paulette, Donald H. Rumsfeld (jcow) (Entered: 07/30/2002)

July 30, 2002

July 30, 2002

30

ORDER setting a hearing to hear argument on materials submitted, set Hearing Deadline for 2:00 8/8/02 , further ordering the government to produce certain materials (see order for specifics) by noon on 8/6/02, entered and filed 7/31/02 ( signed by Judge Robert G. Doumar ) Copies Mailed: and faxed 7/31/02 [EOD Date: 7/31/02] (jcow) (Entered: 07/31/2002)

July 31, 2002

July 31, 2002

31

Notice of supplemental authority filed by petitioner Yaser Esam Hamdi, petitioner Esam Fouad Hamdi (jcow) (Entered: 08/01/2002)

Aug. 1, 2002

Aug. 1, 2002

32

MOTION by Commander W.R. Paulette, Donald H. Rumsfeld for relief from this court's production order of July 31, 2002 (jcow) (Entered: 08/06/2002)

Aug. 5, 2002

Aug. 5, 2002

33

MEMORANDUM in support of [32 − 1] motion for relief from this court's production order of July 31, 2002 by Commander W.R. Paulette, Donald Rumsfeld, received (jcow) (Entered: 08/06/2002)

Aug. 5, 2002

Aug. 5, 2002

34

ORDER that the hearing scheduled for 8/8/02 at 2:00pm is cancelled and suspending all proceedings in this case until the Court of Appeals has acted on the motion of the petitioner for relief from the stay, entered and filed 8/7/02 ( signed by Judge Robert G. Doumar ) Copies Mailed: and faxed 8/7/02 [EOD Date: 8/7/02] (jcow) (Entered: 08/07/2002)

Aug. 7, 2002

Aug. 7, 2002

35

Copy of USCA Order Dissolving the stay in order that the district court may proceed in strict compliance with our July 12, 2002 decision which directed the court to consider the most cautious procedures first, conscious of the prospect that the least drastic procedures may promptly resolve Hamdi's case and make more intrusive measures unnecessary; in accordance with the principles set forth in Hamdi v. Rumsfeld 2002 WL 1483908 (4th Cir. July 12, 2002 the district court shall consider the sufficiency of the Mobbs declaration as an independent matter before proceeding further, entered at the direction of Chief Judge Wilkinson with the concurrence of Judge Wilkins and Judge Traxler (jcow) (Entered: 08/08/2002)

Aug. 8, 2002

Aug. 8, 2002

36

Opinion of USCA re: [5 − 1] appeal by Commander W.R. Paulette, Donald H. Rumsfeld 7/12/02 (jcow) (Entered: 08/09/2002)

Aug. 9, 2002

Aug. 9, 2002

37

JUDGMENT OF USCA Reversing the District Court's June 11 order mandating access to counsel, REMANDING to the District Court for further proceedings consistent with the Court's opinion (certified copy) Re: [5 − 1] appeal, filed. (jcow) (Entered: 08/09/2002)

Aug. 9, 2002

Aug. 9, 2002

38

ORDER setting this matter for a hearing on 8/13/02, at 11:00 a.m., for argument on the sufficiency of the Mobbs declaration, entered and filed 8/9/02 ( signed by Judge Robert G. Doumar ) Copies Mailed: 8/9/02 [EOD Date: 8/9/02] (vwar) (Entered: 08/09/2002)

Aug. 9, 2002

Aug. 9, 2002

Hearing Deadline set at 11:00, on 8/13/02 before Judge Robert G. Doumar (vwar) (Entered: 08/09/2002)

Aug. 9, 2002

Aug. 9, 2002

39

ORDER directing counsel to file an additional copy of pleadings, which are not in camera or under seal which copy the Clerk shall provide to the Court's contract copy service for access to the media and the public at the usual fee, the copy service telephone number is 757 − 533 − 9126, entered and filed 8/12/02 ( signed by Judge Robert G. ) Copies Mailed: 8/12/02 [EOD Date: 8/12/02] (vwar) Modified on 08/12/2002 (Entered: 08/12/2002)

Aug. 12, 2002

Aug. 12, 2002

40

NOTICE of Supplemental Materials by Donald H. Rumsfeld, Commander W.R. Paulette (vwar) (Entered: 08/12/2002)

Aug. 12, 2002

Aug. 12, 2002

41

Court Proceedings: RGD, USDJ. Penny Wile, OCR. Counsel appeared. Came on for hearing on the sufficiency of the Mobbs declaration. Arguments heard. Court takes matter under advisement. (bwin) (Entered: 08/13/2002)

Aug. 13, 2002

Aug. 13, 2002

42

TRANSCRIPT OF PROCEEDINGS for dates of 8/13/02, before USDJ Doumar, Penny C. Wile, OCR (vwar) (Entered: 08/14/2002)

Aug. 14, 2002

Aug. 14, 2002

43

ORDER denying [32 − 1] motion by Commander W.R. Paulette, Donald H. Rumsfeld for relief from this court's production order of July 31, 2002; directing the respondents to submit to the court the materials previously requested in the 7/31/02 order, together with the screening criteria utilized to determine the status of Hamdi with the names and addresses of the persons who made the determination; such sealed documents to be produced by 4:30 p, on 8/21/02 for the Judge's in camera review, entered and filed 8/16/02, ( signed by Judge Robert G. Doumar) Copies Mailed: 8/16/02 [EOD Date: 8/16/02] (ariv) (Entered: 08/16/2002)

Aug. 16, 2002

Aug. 16, 2002

Clearinghouse
44

MOTION by Commander W.R. Paulette, Donald H. Rumsfeld for certification of interlocutory appeal and for stay (jcow) (Entered: 08/20/2002)

Aug. 19, 2002

Aug. 19, 2002

45

Chambers Proceedings (Conference Call): RGD, USDJ. Penny Wile, OCR. Participants: Larry W. Shelton, Lawrence R. Leonard and Gergory G. Garre. Respondents' motion to extend time to submit materials to the court granted. Materials to be submitted to Judge Doumar's Chambers, under seal, by 12:00 p.m., 8/26/02. Petitioner to reply to respondents' motion for interlocutory appeal by 10:00 a.m., 8/21/02. (bwin) (Entered: 08/20/2002)

Aug. 20, 2002

Aug. 20, 2002

46

ORDER that the petitioners file their brief, set Brief deadline to 10:00 8/21/02 , Ordering the respondents to produce the documents outlined in the 8/16/02 production order, set Respond Deadline 12:00 8/26/02 , or at such time as the court directs after the court decides the respondents' motion for certification of interlocutory appeal, entered and filed 8/20/02 ( signed by Judge Robert G. Doumar ) Copies Mailed and faxed: 8/20/02 [EOD Date: 8/20/02] (jcow) (Entered: 08/20/2002)

Aug. 20, 2002

Aug. 20, 2002

48

TRANSCRIPT of TELEPHONIC CONFERENCE for dates of 8/20/02; before USDJ Robert G. Doumar, Penny C. Wile, OCR (vwar) (Entered: 08/21/2002)

Aug. 21, 2002

Aug. 21, 2002

49

ORDER certifying the question regarding the Mobbs Declaration, as outlined in the order, to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals and staying the deadline for compliance with its 8/16/02 production order until 5 days after the Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit either declines jurisdiction over the appeal or issues a ruling on the certified question, entered and filed 8/21/02 ( signed by Judge Robert G. Doumar ) Copies Mailed: 8/21/02 [EOD Date: 8/21/02] (vwar) (Entered: 08/21/2002)

Aug. 21, 2002

Aug. 21, 2002

50

MOTION by Friends of Immigration to Intervene (vwar) (Entered: 08/22/2002)

Aug. 22, 2002

Aug. 22, 2002

51

RESPONSE by Yaser Esam Hamdi, Esam Fouad Hamdi to [50 − 1] motion by Friends of Immigration to Intervene (ariv) (Entered: 08/26/2002)

Aug. 23, 2002

Aug. 23, 2002

52

REPLY by Friends of Immigra. to response to [50 − 1] motion to Intervene, received. (vwar) (Entered: 08/28/2002)

Aug. 28, 2002

Aug. 28, 2002

53

Copy of USCA Order granting respondents' petition for permission to appeal the district court's 8/16/02 order; respondents' opening brief is due 10/4/02, petitioners' answering brief is due by 10/18/02, respondents' reply brief is due 10/24/02 and oral argument is scheduled for 10/28/02 at 2:30 (jcow) (Entered: 09/12/2002)

Sept. 12, 2002

Sept. 12, 2002

54

RESPONSE in Opposition by Donald H. Rumsfeld, Commander W.R. Paulette to [50 − 1] motion by Friends of Immigration Law Enforcement to Intervene (jcow) (Entered: 09/19/2002)

Sept. 18, 2002

Sept. 18, 2002

55

Response by Friends of Immigration Law Enforcement to [54 − 1] motion response by Commander W.R. Paulette, Donald H. Rumsfeld (jcow) (Entered: 10/04/2002)

Oct. 3, 2002

Oct. 3, 2002

56

Advanced copy of Opinion of USCA re: appeal filed in U.S. Court of Appeals, decided 1/8/03 (jcow) (Entered: 01/09/2003)

Jan. 9, 2003

Jan. 9, 2003

57

Advanced copy of published Opinion of USCA re: 1/8/03 (jcow) (Entered: 01/14/2003)

Jan. 14, 2003

Jan. 14, 2003

A timely petition for rehearing and for rehearing en banc has been filed (jcow) (Entered: 02/26/2003)

Feb. 25, 2003

Feb. 25, 2003

Certified and transmitted Record on Appeal to U.S. Court of Appeals (jcow) (Entered: 03/25/2003)

March 25, 2003

March 25, 2003

58

Opinion of USCA re: appeal filed, decided 1/8/03 (jcow) (Entered: 07/10/2003)

July 10, 2003

July 10, 2003

59

JUDGMENT OF USCA reversing the judgment of the District Court and remanding this case for further proceedings consistent with the Court's opinion (certified copy) Re: [5 − 1] appeal, filed. (jcow) (Entered: 07/10/2003)

July 10, 2003

July 10, 2003

Record on Appeal returned from U.S. Court of Appeals (jcow) (Entered: 07/14/2003)

July 14, 2003

July 14, 2003

Letter/notice received from the U.S. Court of Appeals that the Supreme Court has received and filed a petition for writ of certiorari (jcow) (Entered: 10/09/2003)

Oct. 9, 2003

Oct. 9, 2003

Letter/notice received from the U.S. Court of Appeals that a Supreme Court Order was filed on 1/9/04 granting certiorari (jcow) (Entered: 01/14/2004)

Jan. 14, 2004

Jan. 14, 2004

Certified and transmitted Record on Appeal to U.S. Supreme Court (jcow) (Entered: 03/10/2004)

March 10, 2004

March 10, 2004

60

Copy of United States Supreme Court Order that the judgment of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit is vacated and the cause is remanded to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit for further proceedings. (jcow) (Entered: 08/05/2004)

Aug. 5, 2004

Aug. 5, 2004

62

MOTION with Memorandum in Support by Yaser Esam Hamdi by Yaser Esam Hamdi for Leave to Amend Habeas Corpus Petition (vwar) (Entered: 08/11/2004)

Aug. 11, 2004

Aug. 11, 2004

63

JOINT MOTION by Yaser Esam Hamdi, Donald H. Rumsfeld, Commander W.R. Paulette by Commander W.R. Paulette, Donald H. Rumsfeld, Yaser Esam Hamdi to Stay Proceedings (vwar) (Entered: 08/11/2004)

Aug. 11, 2004

Aug. 11, 2004

Deadline updated; Response to Motion reset to 8/25/04 for [62 − 1] motion by Yaser Esam Hamdi for Leave to Amend Habeas Corpus Petition (vwar) (Entered: 08/11/2004)

Aug. 11, 2004

Aug. 11, 2004

Record on Appeal returned from U.S. Supreme Court (jcow) (Entered: 08/12/2004)

Aug. 12, 2004

Aug. 12, 2004

64

ORDER granting in part [63 − 1] joint motion by Commander W.R. Paulette, Donald H. Rumsfeld, Yaser Esam Hamdi to Stay Proceedings, directing respondents to notify court regarding its intent to to either pursue or withdraw motion disqualifying Public Defender by 12:00 noon on 8/20/04; ordering that respondents produce Petitioner for a full hearing on the merits at 9:30 a.m. on 8/30/04, unless matter is dismissed; set Evidentiary Hearing for 8/30/04 before Judge Robert G. Doumar ; entered and filed 8/19/04 ( signed by Judge Robert G. Doumar ) Copies Mailed: 8/19/04 [EOD Date: 8/19/04] (vwar) (Entered: 08/19/2004)

Aug. 19, 2004

Aug. 19, 2004

65

Minute Entry of Conference Call in Chambers: RGD, Judge. Penny Wile, OCR. Participants: Frank W. Dunham, Jr., FPD, Larry W. Shelton, AFPD, and Lawrence W. Leonard, AUSA. Came on for hearing on pending motions. Comments of court and counsel. Rulings stated into record. Court set hearing on Monday, August 30, 2004, at 9:30 a.m., unless matter is dismissed before that time. Petitioner shall be produced for hearing. Court will prepare order. (bwin) (Entered: 08/19/2004)

Aug. 19, 2004

Aug. 19, 2004

66

TRANSCRIPT OF TELEPHONIC PROCEEDINGS for dates of 8/19/04, before USDJ Doumar, Penny C. Wile, OCR. (vwar) (Entered: 08/20/2004)

Aug. 20, 2004

Aug. 20, 2004

67

JOINT MOTION by Yaser Esam Hamdi to Substitute Amended Exhibit A to Motion and Memorandum for Leave to Amend Habeas Corpus Petition by Yaser Esam Hamdi (vwar) (Entered: 08/25/2004)

Aug. 25, 2004

Aug. 25, 2004

68

ORDER granting [67 − 1] joint motion to Substitute Amended Exhibit A to Motion and Memorandum for Leave to Amend Habeas Corpus Petition by Yaser Esam Hamdi, entered and filed 8/25/04 ( signed by Judge Robert G. Doumar ) Copies Mailed: 8/25/04 [EOD Date: 8/25/04] (vwar) (Entered: 08/25/2004)

Aug. 25, 2004

Aug. 25, 2004

69

First Amended Petition for writ of habeas corpus (vwar) (Entered: 08/25/2004)

Aug. 25, 2004

Aug. 25, 2004

First proposed first amended petition for writ of habeas corpus, submitted 8/11/04 with motion for leave to amend, but not filed, is SEALED by agreement of counsel and at the direction of the court, until any such further order as may be necessary. (vwar) (Entered: 08/25/2004)

Aug. 25, 2004

Aug. 25, 2004

70

PETITIONER'S HEARING MEMORANDUM by Yaser Esam Hamdi (vwar) (Entered: 08/26/2004)

Aug. 26, 2004

Aug. 26, 2004

71

MOTION with Memorandum in Support by Donald H. Rumsfeld, Commander W.R. Paulette by Commander W.R. Paulette, Donald H. Rumsfeld to Stay Proceedings (vwar) (Entered: 08/26/2004)

Aug. 26, 2004

Aug. 26, 2004

72

RESPONSE by Yaser Esam Hamdi to [71 − 1] motion by Commander W.R. Paulette, Donald H. Rumsfeld to Stay Proceedings, received. (vwar) (Entered: 08/26/2004)

Aug. 26, 2004

Aug. 26, 2004

73

Minute Entry of Conference Call in Chambers: RGD, USDJ. Penny Wile, OCR. Participants: Frank Dunham, Jr., Larry W. Shelton, Michael Rhine and Jospeh Hunt. Came on for hearing on motion for continuance. Arguments heard. Motion granted. Rulings states into record. Court will prepare order. Matter continued to Tuesday, August 31, 2004, at 10:00 a.m., if Court's order is not complied with. (bwin) (Entered: 08/27/2004)

Aug. 27, 2004

Aug. 27, 2004

74

ORDER granting in part, denying in part [71 − 1] motion by Commander W.R. Paulette, Donald H. Rumsfeld to Stay Proceedings; STAYING this action until 8/31/04 at 10:00 A.M., at which time this court will hold a full hearing on the merits unless further continued; directing respondents to produce petitioner at the hearing unless it is continued or dismissed prior thereto; directing respondents to provide petitioner's counsel with certain specified materials for their perusal only by 3:00 P.M. on 8/30/04; directing petitioner's counsel to notify the court regarding respondent's compliance with this order by 4:00 P.M. on 8/30/04; directing respondents to submit to the court by facsimile by 3:00 P.M. on 8/30/04 a sworn statement or affirmation under penalty of perjury from the Commander of the Consolidated Naval Brig in Charleston, S.C., explaining the reasons for petitioner's solitary confinement; and advising that if respondents are in compliance with the requirements of this order within the times and dates specified, the Court will stay the hearing again until 9/7/04 at 10:00 A.M., at which time the respondents must produce Hamdi; and advising that under no circumstances will this matter be continued thereafter, reset Evidentiary Hearing for 10:00 8/31/04 before Judge Robert G. Doumar , entered and filed 8/27/04, ( signed by Judge Robert G. Doumar ) Copies Faxed and Mailed: 8/27/04 [EOD Date: 8/27/04] (ariv) (Entered: 08/27/2004)

Aug. 27, 2004

Aug. 27, 2004

75

TRANSCRIPT OF TELEPHONIC PROCEEDINGS for dates of 8/27/04, before USDJ Doumar, Penny C. Wile, OCR (vwar) (Entered: 08/30/2004)

Aug. 30, 2004

Aug. 30, 2004

76

ORDER vacating [74 − 1] order, vacating evidentiary hearing on 8/31/04 at 10:00 a.m., and vacating direction of respondent to furnish certain documents; entered and filed 8/30/04 ( signed by Judge Robert G. Doumar ) Copies Mailed: 8/30/04 [EOD Date: 8/30/04] (vwar) (Entered: 08/30/2004)

Aug. 30, 2004

Aug. 30, 2004

77

COPY of USCA Order advising that until mandate is issued, USDC is without jurisidiction to proceed in this matter; staying all proceedings before the district court until mandate from USCA is issued. (vwar) (Entered: 09/01/2004)

Sept. 1, 2004

Sept. 1, 2004

78

MOTION by Yaser Esam Hamdi to Stay Proceedings (vwar) (Entered: 09/27/2004)

Sept. 24, 2004

Sept. 24, 2004

79

Copy of USCA Order granting the joint motion to stay issuance of the mandate until 9/30/04 (jcow) (Entered: 09/28/2004)

Sept. 28, 2004

Sept. 28, 2004

80

JUDGMENT OF USCA (certified copy) with copy of opinion of USCA remanding the case to the District Court re: [5 − 1] appeal (jcow) (Entered: 10/01/2004)

Oct. 1, 2004

Oct. 1, 2004

82

Minute entry: Came on for status conference in chambers. RGD, USDJ. Paul McManus, OCR. Larry W. Shelton, AFPD, and Lawrence R. Leonard, AUSA, present. Frank W. Dunham, Jr., FPD, and David Salmons, USDOJ, participated by conference call. Rulings stated into record. Court will prepare order. Order will be sealed. Minutes previously under seal. Docketed this date pursuant to Court's direction. (bwin) (Entered: 10/12/2004)

Oct. 5, 2004

Oct. 5, 2004

83

ORDER on status conference held 10/5/04 at 12:30 PM as follows: petitioner should be returned to Saudi Arabia by 10/8/04 at 12:00 noon and an affidavit to that effect must be filed in this court by 12:00 noon on 10/8/04 or an evidentiary hearing on the petition will be held 10/12/04 at 10:00 AM at which petitioner must be present; also if certification is not received of petitioner's arrival in Saudi Arabia by 10/8/04 at 12:00 noon, copies of all statements made by Mr. Hamdi, etc., which the government may have in its possession or seek to offer into evidence at the hearing must be delivered to Federal Public Defender Frank Dunham and to the court, under seal, to be perused in camera; directing that this order will remain under seal until 10/8/04 at 12:00 noon; and advising that the court will consider any future motions counsel for respondent may have based on its inability to deliver the petitioner to Saudi Arabia by 10/8/04 at 12:00 noon, entered and filed 10/5/04, ( signed by Judge Robert G. Doumar ) Copies Mailed: 10/5/04 (under seal until 10/11/04; docketed this date pursuant to direction of court) [EOD Date: 10/12/04]

Oct. 5, 2004

Oct. 5, 2004

85

NOTICE of filing of classified documents under seal, by Donald H. Rumsfeld, Commander W.R. Paulette (under seal until 10/11/04, docketed this date pursuant to court direction) (ariv) (Entered: 10/12/2004)

Oct. 8, 2004

Oct. 8, 2004

81

ORDER noting the court's previous hearing on October 5, 2004, during which an evidentiary hearing was scheduled for 10/12/04 at 10:00 AM unless petitioner was released from custody prior to October 8, 2004 at 12:00 noon; directing that if petitioner was not released by that time, respondents must submit, under seal, copies of documents on which it would rely in its case − in − chief against petitioner for perusal by the judge and counsel for petitioner by 2:00 pm on 10/8/04; directing that the order of 10/5/04 was to remain under seal until 12:00 pm on 10/8/04; noting the status conference held prior to noon on 10/8/04 at which time the parties advised that petitioner would not be released by noon that date and jointly asked the court to keep the 10/5/04 order under seal until 10/11/04; noting that respondents complied with the portion of the order requiring submission under seal of the specified documents; noting a later status conference that date, at which time the court advised that it would consider continuing the hearing if petitioner were released and in Saudi Araba by 10/11/04, and directed that the October 5th order and any subsequent orders would remain under seal until 10/11/04; noting a status conference held 10/11/04 at 2:00 pm, at which counsel for both parties assured that petitioner was released and arrived in Saudi Arabia on 10/11/04; DISMISSING the petition ; retaining jurisdiction to enforce the terms of any valid settlement agreement; cancelling the scheduled evidentiary hearing; and directing the Clerk to unseal the court's prior orders, transcripts, and any submissions to the Court, except those submissions classified as secret which were returned to security officers for the U.S. Department of Justice after perusal by the Court, signed by Judge Robert G. Doumar ) Copies Mailed: 10/12/04 [EOD Date: 10/12/04] (ariv) (Entered: 10/12/2004)

Oct. 11, 2004

Oct. 11, 2004

Case closed (ariv) (Entered: 10/12/2004)

Oct. 11, 2004

Oct. 11, 2004

Disposable Record (ariv) (Entered: 10/12/2004)

Oct. 11, 2004

Oct. 11, 2004

86

STIPULATION of dismissal with prejudice as settled, and without costs, attorneys' fees or expenses as against any party, by parties, pursuant to Rule 41(a)(1)(ii) FRCivP. (ariv) (Entered: 10/12/2004)

Oct. 12, 2004

Oct. 12, 2004

Clearinghouse
87

NOTICE of withdrawal of filing under seal, by Donald H. Rumsfeld, Commander W.R. Paulette (ariv) (Entered: 10/14/2004)

Oct. 12, 2004

Oct. 12, 2004

Case Details

State / Territory: Virginia

Case Type(s):

National Security

Key Dates

Filing Date: May 10, 2002

Closing Date: Oct. 12, 2004

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

US citizen detained as an alleged "enemy combatant"

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Secretary of Defense, Federal

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Habeas Corpus, 28 U.S.C. §§ 2241-2253; 2254; 2255

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Due Process: Procedural Due Process

Special Case Type(s):

Habeas

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Any published opinion

U.S. Supreme Court merits opinion

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Habeas relief

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Litigation

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Issues

General:

Access to lawyers or judicial system

International law

Over/Unlawful Detention

Terrorism/Post 9-11 issues

Jails, Prisons, Detention Centers, and Other Institutions:

Placement in detention facilities

Type of Facility:

Government-run

National Origin/Ethnicity:

Arab/Afgani/Middle Eastern