Case: ACLU v. Mercer County Kentucky

5:01-cv-00480 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky

Filed Date: Nov. 27, 2001

Closed Date: 2006

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On November 27, 2001, the ACLU and complainant filed this First Amendment case in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, against Mercer County, claiming that display of the Ten Commandments inside the county courthouse constituted an endorsement of religion in violation of the First Amendment's prohibition of the establishment of religion.The District court (Judge Karl S. Forster) denied the plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction 240 F.Supp.2d 623 (E.D.K…

On November 27, 2001, the ACLU and complainant filed this First Amendment case in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, against Mercer County, claiming that display of the Ten Commandments inside the county courthouse constituted an endorsement of religion in violation of the First Amendment's prohibition of the establishment of religion.

The District court (Judge Karl S. Forster) denied the plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction 240 F.Supp.2d 623 (E.D.Ky. Jan 22, 2003)(NO. CIV.A. 01-480-KSF); and granted the defendants' motion for summary judgment, holding that there was no violation since the predominant purpose of the county display was secular - in that it was part of a display of eight other objectively secular historical documents.

219 F.Supp.2d 777 (E.D.Ky. Sep 06, 2002) (NO. CIV.A. 01-480-KSF)

Plaintiffs appealed to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. On April 27, 2004, the appellate court affirmed the district court's judgment 432 F.3d 624, 2005 Fed.App. 0477P (6th Cir.(Ky.) Dec 20, 2005) (NO. 03-5142) and later denied plaintiffs' motion for rehearing en banc. 446 F.3d 651, 2006 Fed.App. 0146P (6th Cir. Apr 24, 2006) (NO. 03-5142)

Summary Authors

Dan Dalton (6/9/2008)

People


Judge(s)

Batchelder, Alice Moore (Ohio)

Clay, Eric L. (Michigan)

Cole, Ransey Guy Jr. (Ohio)

Daughtrey, Martha Craig (Tennessee)

Forester, Karl Spillman (Kentucky)

Attorney for Plaintiff
Attorney for Defendant
Judge(s)

Batchelder, Alice Moore (Ohio)

Clay, Eric L. (Michigan)

Cole, Ransey Guy Jr. (Ohio)

Daughtrey, Martha Craig (Tennessee)

Forester, Karl Spillman (Kentucky)

Martin, Boyce Ficklen Jr. (Kentucky)

Moore, Karen Nelson (Ohio)

Rice, Walter Herbert (Ohio)

Suhrheinrich, Richard Fred (Michigan)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

5:01-cv-00480

Docket [PACER]

ACLU v. Mercer County

May 4, 2006

May 4, 2006

Docket
28

5:01-cv-00480

Opinion & Order

ACLU v. Mercer County

Sept. 6, 2002

Sept. 6, 2002

Order/Opinion

219 F.Supp.2d 219

38

5:01-cv-00480

Opinion & Order

ACLU v. Mercer County

Jan. 22, 2003

Jan. 22, 2003

Order/Opinion

240 F.Supp.2d 240

03-05142

Opinion

ACLU v. Mercer County

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

Dec. 20, 2005

Dec. 20, 2005

Order/Opinion

432 F.3d 432

03-05142

Order

ACLU v. Mercer County

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

April 24, 2006

April 24, 2006

Order/Opinion

446 F.3d 446

Resources

Docket

Last updated March 27, 2024, 3:15 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT ( 2 summons(es) issued) with copy, Fee Paid $ 150.00, Receipt No. 095048 and given to atty for service (DC) (Entered: 11/28/2001)

Nov. 27, 2001

Nov. 27, 2001

2

MOTION by plaintiff Amer Civil Liberties, plaintiff Bart McQueary for preliminary injunction (CBD) (Entered: 12/17/2001)

Dec. 17, 2001

Dec. 17, 2001

3

MEMORANDUM by plaintiff Amer Civil Liberties, plaintiff Bart McQueary in support of motion for preliminary injunction [2-1] (CBD) (Entered: 12/17/2001)

Dec. 17, 2001

Dec. 17, 2001

4

ANSWER by defendant to COMPLAINT [1-1] (DC) (Entered: 12/26/2001)

Dec. 21, 2001

Dec. 21, 2001

5

MOTION by defendant Mercer Cty Kentucky, defendant Charles H. McGinnis for summary judgment (DC) (Entered: 01/02/2002)

Jan. 2, 2002

Jan. 2, 2002

6

MEMORANDUM by defendant Mercer Cty Kentucky, defendant Charles H. McGinnis in support of motion for summary judgment [5-1] (DC) (Entered: 01/02/2002)

Jan. 2, 2002

Jan. 2, 2002

7

ORDER FOR MEETING AND REPORT by Chief Judge Karl S. Forester counsel to conduct meeting by 02/07/02; exchange discl FILE written JOINT REPORT by 02/17/02; (cc: all counsel) [EOD Date: 1/7/02] (DC) (Entered: 01/07/2002)

Jan. 7, 2002

Jan. 7, 2002

8

STIPULATION FOR ENLARGEMENT OF TIME for pltff reply brief in support of their preliminary injunction motion; 4 day entlargement of time re [2-1] (DC) (Entered: 01/18/2002)

Jan. 17, 2002

Jan. 17, 2002

9

STIPULATION FOR SUPPLEMENTAL ENLARGEMENT OF TIME by parties; defts kindly have stipulated to a supplemental one business day enlargement of time through 1/22/02 for the filing of pltffs consolidated reply brief (DC) (Entered: 01/23/2002)

Jan. 18, 2002

Jan. 18, 2002

10

MOTION by plaintiffs for leave to file reply/response brief one day late (DC) (Entered: 01/24/2002)

Jan. 23, 2002

Jan. 23, 2002

PROPOSED Reply Memorandum in Support of Pltfs Motion for Preliminary Injunction & in Opposition to defts motion for sum jgm tendered by plaintiff Amer Civil Liberties, plaintiff Bart McQueary (DC) (Entered: 01/24/2002)

Jan. 23, 2002

Jan. 23, 2002

11

OPPOSITION by plaintiff Amer Civil Liberties, plaintiff Bart McQueary to motion for summary judgment [5-1] (DC) (Entered: 01/24/2002)

Jan. 24, 2002

Jan. 24, 2002

12

ORDER by Chief Judge Karl S. Forester granting motion for leave to file reply/response brief one day late [10-1] (cc: all counsel) [EOD Date: 1/24/02] (DC) (Entered: 01/24/2002)

Jan. 24, 2002

Jan. 24, 2002

13

REPLY by defendant Mercer Cty Kentucky, defendant Charles H. McGinnis to response to motion for summary judgment [5-1] (DC) (Entered: 02/05/2002)

Feb. 5, 2002

Feb. 5, 2002

13

OPPOSITION by defendant Mercer Cty Kentucky, defendant Charles H. McGinnis to motion for preliminary injunction [2-1] (DC) (Entered: 02/05/2002)

Feb. 5, 2002

Feb. 5, 2002

14

REPORT OF PARTIES PLANNING MEETING (DC) (Entered: 02/21/2002)

Feb. 21, 2002

Feb. 21, 2002

15

NOTICE by plaintiffs of Related Decision (DC) (Entered: 02/25/2002)

Feb. 25, 2002

Feb. 25, 2002

16

NOTICE OF COMPLIANCE WITH LOCAL RULE 7.1(j) by dfts (SKV) (Entered: 02/28/2002)

Feb. 28, 2002

Feb. 28, 2002

17

NOTICE OF RELATED DECISIONS by plaintiff Amer Civil Liberties, plaintiff Bart McQueary (CBD) (Entered: 03/11/2002)

March 11, 2002

March 11, 2002

18

NOTICE by defendants of Supplemental Authority (DC) (Entered: 03/13/2002)

March 13, 2002

March 13, 2002

19

NOTICE by plaintiffs of Related Decision (ACLU of KY v. Grayson Cty KY) copy attached (DC) (Entered: 05/21/2002)

May 20, 2002

May 20, 2002

20

ORDER by Chief Judge Karl S. Forester: matter SET for hearing on pending matters 8/22/02 @ 9:00 AM (cc: all counsel) [EOD Date: 7/9/02] (SKV) (Entered: 07/09/2002)

July 9, 2002

July 9, 2002

21

MAIL Returned [20-1] addressed Caroline Griffith to plaintiff Amer Civil Liberties (DC) (Entered: 07/16/2002)

July 15, 2002

July 15, 2002

24

GENERAL MINUTES OF HEARING ON PENDING MATTERS HELD before Judge Forester on 08/22/02; Court Reporter, Cindy Hutchinson; 1) Court finds plaintiffs have proper standing to bring action; 2) plaintiffs' mtn for preliminary injunction [2-1] DENIED; 3) dfts' mtn for sum/jgm [5-1] DENIED w/out prejudice; 4) Cnsl granted 120 days to complete discovery; Court's more detailed written opinion will follow (cc: all counsel) [EOD Date: 8/28/02] (SKV) (Entered: 08/28/2002)

Aug. 22, 2002

Aug. 22, 2002

22

NOTICE OF ATTORNEY APPEARANCE for defendant by Mathew D. Staver, Erik W. Stanley (RSB) (Entered: 08/23/2002)

Aug. 23, 2002

Aug. 23, 2002

23

MOTION by defendant for attorney Erik W. Stanley to appear pro hac vice (RSB) (Entered: 08/23/2002)

Aug. 23, 2002

Aug. 23, 2002

FEE PAID $ 65.00, Receipt No. 101836 (RSB) (Entered: 08/23/2002)

Aug. 23, 2002

Aug. 23, 2002

SUBMITTED re motion for attorney Erik W. Stanley to appear pro hac vice [23-1] is submitted (RSB) (Entered: 08/23/2002)

Aug. 23, 2002

Aug. 23, 2002

25

ORDER by Chief Judge Karl S. Forester: 1) dft mtn for atty Erik W. Stanley to appear pro hac vice [23-1] GRANTED; 2) atty admitted to appear pro hac vice as co-cnsl for dfts; 3) atty subject to jurisdiction and rules of KY Supreme Court governing professional conduct (cc: all counsel) [EOD Date: 8/28/02] (SKV) (Entered: 08/28/2002)

Aug. 28, 2002

Aug. 28, 2002

26

MOTION by dft Mercer Cty Kentucky, Charles H. McGinnis for attorney Mathew D. Staver to appear pro hac vice FEE PD 101862 (KJR) (Entered: 08/29/2002)

Aug. 29, 2002

Aug. 29, 2002

27

MAIL Returned [25-1] addressed to Caroline L. Laurie Griffith (SKV) (Entered: 09/04/2002)

Sept. 4, 2002

Sept. 4, 2002

28

MEMORANDUM OPINION & ORDER by Chief Judge Karl S. Forester: 1) pla mtn for preliminary injunction [2-1] DENIED; 2) dfts' mtn for sum/jgm [6-1] DENIED; 3) ptys granted 120 days from 8/22/02 to conduct discovery (cc: all counsel) [EOD Date: 9/6/02] (SKV) (Entered: 09/06/2002)

Sept. 6, 2002

Sept. 6, 2002

29

MAIL Returned [28-1], [28-2] addressed to Caroline Griffith (JM) (Entered: 09/16/2002)

Sept. 16, 2002

Sept. 16, 2002

30

ORDER by Chief Judge Karl S. Forester. Matter beforecourt sua sparte; plas atty to direct court w/in 10 days as to whether atty Caroline Griffith will remain atty of record in cas. If so, she is to inform court of new address w/in 10 days (cc: all counsel) [EOD Date: 9/20/02] (SKV) (Entered: 09/20/2002)

Sept. 20, 2002

Sept. 20, 2002

31

MAIL Returned addressed to caroline griffith, esq. Moved/left no forwarding address [30-1] (JM) (Entered: 09/26/2002)

Sept. 26, 2002

Sept. 26, 2002

32

NOTICE by pla Amer Civil Liberties of new address for C. Griffith (JM) (Entered: 10/04/2002)

Oct. 4, 2002

Oct. 4, 2002

33

ORDER by Chief Judge Karl S. Forester 1) dfts mtn for pro hac vice [26-1] GRANTED; 2) atty shall be permitted to appear pro hac vice as co counsel for dfts; 3) said atty subject to jurisdiction and rules of KY supreme court (cc: all counsel) [EOD Date: 11/12/02] (JM) (Entered: 11/12/2002)

Nov. 12, 2002

Nov. 12, 2002

34

RENEWED MOTION by dfts Mercer Cty Kentucky, Charles H. McGinnis for summary judgment w/ memo in support attached (JM) (Entered: 12/26/2002)

Dec. 24, 2002

Dec. 24, 2002

35

STIPULATION FOR ENLARGEMENT OF TIME -plas to respond to dfts renewed mtn for sumjgm [34-1] by 01/17/03 (JM) (Entered: 01/13/2003)

Jan. 10, 2003

Jan. 10, 2003

36

RESPONSE by plas to dfts renewed mtn for summary judgment [34-1] (JM) Modified on 01/21/2003 (Entered: 01/17/2003)

Jan. 17, 2003

Jan. 17, 2003

37

REPLY by dfts to plas response to renewed mtn for sumjgm [34-1] (JM) (Entered: 01/22/2003)

Jan. 22, 2003

Jan. 22, 2003

38

OPINION & ORDER by Chief Judge Karl S. Forester: 1) dfts' mtn for sum/jgm [34-1] GRANTED & judgment entered (cc: all counsel) [EOD Date: 1/22/03] (SKV) (Entered: 01/22/2003)

Jan. 22, 2003

Jan. 22, 2003

39

JUDGMENT by Chief Judge Karl S. Forester: 1) summary judgment entered in favor of dfts & plaintiffs claims are DISMISSED WITH PREJUDICE; 2) Jgm FINAL; 3) matter STRICKEN from docket (cc: all counsel) [EOD Date 1/22/03] (SKV) (Entered: 01/22/2003)

Jan. 22, 2003

Jan. 22, 2003

RECEIVED re [40-1] fee in amount of $ 105.00 ( Receipt # 099963) (JM) (Entered: 01/30/2003)

Jan. 27, 2003

Jan. 27, 2003

41

NOTIFICATION to 6CCA; Short Record Mailed, Appeal Package Mailed to Appellant, Copy of Docket Sheet to Parties; [40-1] (cc: all counsel) (JM) (Entered: 01/30/2003)

Jan. 27, 2003

Jan. 27, 2003

42

NOTIFICATION by 6CCA of Appellate Docket Number 03-5142 (JM) (Entered: 02/10/2003)

Feb. 10, 2003

Feb. 10, 2003

43

TRANSCRIPT DESIGNATION and Ordering Form; transcript is unnecessary for appeal purposes (JM) (Entered: 02/13/2003)

Feb. 12, 2003

Feb. 12, 2003

44

NOTICE OF DEATH OF REPRESENTATIVE DEFENDANT AND NOTICE OF SUBSTITUTION by dfts (JM) (Entered: 10/23/2003)

Oct. 23, 2003

Oct. 23, 2003

45

USCA JUDGMENT as to 40 Notice of Appeal filed by American Civil Liberties Union Of Kentucky, Bart McQueary, ORDERED that judgment of district court is AFFIRMED (LKM) (Entered: 12/22/2005)

Dec. 22, 2005

Dec. 22, 2005

46

NOTICE of Change of Address by Erik W. Stanley, Mathew D. Staver (LKM) (Entered: 01/27/2006)

Jan. 27, 2006

Jan. 27, 2006

47

INFORMATION COPY OF ORDER/JUDGMENT of USCA as to 40 Notice of Appeal filed by American Civil Liberties Union Of Kentucky, Bart McQueary denying request for rehearing. (LKM) (Entered: 04/26/2006)

April 25, 2006

April 25, 2006

48

MANDATE of USCA as to 40 Notice of Appeal filed by American Civil Liberties Union Of Kentucky, Bart McQueary (LKM) (Entered: 05/04/2006)

May 4, 2006

May 4, 2006

Case Details

State / Territory: Kentucky

Case Type(s):

Speech and Religious Freedom

Key Dates

Filing Date: Nov. 27, 2001

Closing Date: 2006

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

ACLU

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Mercer County (Mercer), County

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Constitutional Clause(s):

Establishment Clause

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Any published opinion

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Content of Injunction:

Preliminary relief denied