Case: Sandoval v. Alexander

2:96-cv-01875 | U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama

Filed Date: Dec. 31, 1996

Closed Date: 2001

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On December 31, 1996, a non-English speaking Alabama resident filed suit pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama, challenging the policy of Alabama Department of Public Safety under which driver's license examinations were administered only in English. Plaintiff alleged that the policy was unconstitutional and in violation of 42 U.S.C. § 1981, 42 U.S.C. § 1983, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000d, et seq., and its im…

On December 31, 1996, a non-English speaking Alabama resident filed suit pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama, challenging the policy of Alabama Department of Public Safety under which driver's license examinations were administered only in English. Plaintiff alleged that the policy was unconstitutional and in violation of 42 U.S.C. § 1981, 42 U.S.C. § 1983, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000d, et seq., and its implementing regulations. Attorneys with the Southern Poverty Law Center, the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Northern California, Inc., the Employment Law Center, and private firms represented the plaintiff.

The District Court certified the case as a class action, with the class defined as "all legal residents of the State of Alabama who are otherwise qualified to obtain a Class D private vehicle driver's license but cannot do so because they are not sufficiently fluent in English."

Following a hearing, the District Court (Judge Ira De Ment) issued an extensive opinion, finding that the regulation had impermissible disparate impact on basis of national origin in violation of Title VI, and was not supported by substantial legitimate justification. The Court issued a permanent injunction barring enforcement of the regulation. Sandoval v. Hagan, 7 F.Supp.2d 1234 (M.D.Ala. 1998). The State appealed and the Appellate Court affirmed. Sandoval v. Hagan, 197 F.3d 484 (11th Cir. 999). The State's petition for rehearing and suggestion for rehearing en banc was denied. Sandoval v. Hagan, 211 F.3d 133 (11th Cir. 2000).

The Supreme Court granted certiorari. Alexander v. Sandoval, 530 U.S. 1305, 121 S.Ct. 28, 147 L.Ed.2d 1051 (U.S. Sep 26, 2000). The Supreme Court reversed the district court's judgment, holding that that individuals could not sue federally funded agencies over policies that had an unjustified discriminatory impact on members of minority groups. Alexander v. Sandoval, 532 U.S. 275, 121 S.Ct. 1511, 149 L.Ed.2d 517 (2001).

On remand, the Appellate Court entered an order reversing its prior opinion, vacating the district court's decision and remanding the case for dismissal in accordance with the Supreme Court's judgment. Sandoval v. Hagan, 268 F.3d 1065 (11th Cir. 2001).

It is reported that despite the Supreme Court ruling, Alabama continues to offer the driver's tests in eight foreign languages.

Summary Authors

Dan Dalton (12/12/2007)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/11300507/parties/sandoval-v-hagan/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Bowden, Ellen M. (Alabama)

Brownstein, Rhonda C. (Alabama)

Chen, Edward Milton (California)

Cohen, J. Richard (Alabama)

Cohen, Jack Richard (Alabama)

Attorney for Defendant
Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

2:96-cv-01875

Docket (PACER)

Sept. 25, 2001

Sept. 25, 2001

Docket
66

2:96-cv-01875

Memorandum Opinion, Judgment, Declaration, Order, and Permanent Injunction

June 3, 1998

June 3, 1998

Order/Opinion

7 F.Supp.2d 1234

98-06598

USCA Opinion

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit

Nov. 30, 1999

Nov. 30, 1999

Order/Opinion

197 F.3d 484

98-06598

Denials of Rehearing En Banc

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit

Feb. 29, 2000

Feb. 29, 2000

Order/Opinion

211 F.3d 133

99-01908

Order Granting Petition for Writ of Certiorari

Supreme Court of the United States

Sept. 26, 2000

Sept. 26, 2000

Order/Opinion

530 U.S. 1305

99-01908

Certiorari

Alexander v. Sandoval

Supreme Court of the United States

April 24, 2001

April 24, 2001

Order/Opinion

532 U.S. 275

98-06598

USCA Order

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit

July 16, 2001

July 16, 2001

Order/Opinion

268 F.3d 1065

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/11300507/sandoval-v-hagan/

Last updated April 6, 2025, 12:02 p.m.

ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Dec. 31, 1996

COMPLAINT (contains request for class certification) Filing Fee $ 120.00 Receipt # 63088 (dkt clerk) (Entered: 01/02/1997)

RECAP
2 Dec. 31, 1996

SUMMONS issued for L. N. Hagan, Dept. of Public Safety; summons and complaint returned to counsel for service. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 01/02/1997)

RECAP
Jan. 2, 1997

File referred to Judge DeMent. (dkt clerk)

Jan. 2, 1997

File referred to Judge DeMent. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 01/02/1997)

PACER
3 Jan. 3, 1997

SUMMONS Returned Executed as to L. N. Hagan, Dept. of Public Safe 1/2/97 Answer due on 1/22/97 for Dept. of Public Safe, for L. N. Hagan (dkt clerk) (Entered: 01/03/1997)

RECAP
4 Jan. 21, 1997

ANSWER to Complaint by L. N. Hagan, Dept. of Public Safe (Attorney Robert E. Morrow, John J. Park Jr.), referred to Judge Ira De Ment (dkt clerk) (Entered: 01/22/1997)

RECAP
5 March 21, 1997

SCHEDULING ORDER setting Pretrial Conference for 12/17/97 before Judge Ira De Ment Motion Filing deadline on 9/18/97 ; Discovery cutoff 12/3/97 ; set amended pleading deadline for 6/4/97 Non-jury trial set for 2/17/98 before Judge Ira De Ment ; Mediation Notice deadline on 6/30/97 ( signed by Judge Ira De Ment ), copies mailed to counsel; furnished to MT, RL. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 03/21/1997)

RECAP
6 May 6, 1997

MOTION by Martha Sandoval to Certify Class (Exhibits 1 - 7 attached); referred to Judge Ira De Ment; referred to Mag. Judge Walker per Judge DeMent. (dkt clerk) Modified on 07/14/1997 (Entered: 05/07/1997)

RECAP
7 May 29, 1997

MOTION by Martha Sandoval for Edward M. Chen, Christopher Ho to Appear Pro Hac Vice FILING FEE $ 20.00 RECEIPT # 65383 referred to Judge Ira De Ment (dkt clerk) (Entered: 05/30/1997)

RECAP
June 2, 1997

Stamped ORDER granting [7-1] motion for Edward M. Chen, Christopher Ho to Appear Pro Hac Vice FILING FEE $ 20.00 RECEIPT # 65383 ( by Judge Ira De Ment ), copies mailed to counsel. (dkt clerk)

June 2, 1997

Stamped ORDER granting [7-1] motion for Edward M. Chen, Christopher Ho to Appear Pro Hac Vice FILING FEE $ 20.00 RECEIPT # 65383 ( by Judge Ira De Ment ) , copies mailed to counsel. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 06/02/1997)

PACER
8 June 4, 1997

RESPONSE by L. N. Hagan, Dept. of Public Safe in opposition to [6-1] motion to Certify Class by Martha Sandoval referred to Mag. Judge Susan R. Walker (dkt clerk) Modified on 07/14/1997 (Entered: 06/05/1997)

RECAP
9 June 5, 1997

MOTION by L. N. Hagan, Dept. of Public Safe to Amend [4-1] answer by Dept. of Public Safe, L. N. Hagan (proposed amendment to answer attached); referred to Judge Ira De Ment(dkt clerk) Modified on 07/14/1997 (Entered: 06/06/1997)

PACER
June 16, 1997

Motion(s) referred to Mag. Judge Susan R. Walker : [6-1] motion to Certify Class referred to Mag. Judge Susan R. Walker per instructions of Judge DeMent. (dkt clerk)

June 16, 1997

File referred to Mag. Judge Walker. (dkt clerk)

June 16, 1997

Motion(s) referred to Mag. Judge Susan R. Walker : [6-1] motion to Certify Class referred to Mag. Judge Susan R. Walker per instructions of Judge DeMent. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 06/16/1997)

PACER
June 16, 1997

File referred to Mag. Judge Walker. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 06/16/1997)

PACER
10 July 1, 1997

MOTION by Martha Sandoval to Compel defendants to produce documents, for award of reasonable expenses (Exhibits A and B attached); referred to Mag. Judge Susan R. Walker (dkt clerk) (Entered: 07/02/1997)

RECAP
11 July 11, 1997

RESPONSE by Martha Sandoval to defendants' opposition to [6-1] motion to Certify Class by Martha Sandoval; referred to Mag. Judge Susan R. Walker (dkt clerk) Modified on 07/14/1997 (Entered: 07/14/1997)

RECAP
12 July 14, 1997

RESPONSE by L. N. Hagan, Dept. of Public Safe in opposition to [10-1] motion to Compel defendants to produce documents by Martha Sandoval (Affidavit of Lt. F. A. Bingham attached); referred to Mag. Judge Susan R. Walker (dkt clerk) (Entered: 07/14/1997)

RECAP
13 July 14, 1997

ORDER, motion hearing set for 10:00 8/15/97 before Mag. Judge Susan R. Walker for [6-1] motion to Certify Class ( signed by Mag. Judge Susan R. Walker ), copies mailed to counsel; furnished to MT, JT. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 07/14/1997)

RECAP
15 July 24, 1997

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance for Martha Sandoval by Shannon L. Holliday (dkt clerk) (Entered: 07/25/1997)

RECAP
16 July 29, 1997

ORDER granting in part motion regarding class certification hearing; motion hearing reset for 10:00 8/21/97 before Mag. Judge Susan R. Walker for [6-1] motion to Certify Class ; setting Telephone Conference for 4:00 8/19/97 ; that counsel for plaintiff will set up the telephone conference call; that the telephone conference call will address plaintiff's motion to compel filed 7/1/97, the response filed 7/14/97, and the plaintiff's motion for class certification; (signed by Mag. Judge Susan R. Walker), copies mailed to counsel; furnished to JT, and MT. (ydw) (Entered: 07/29/1997)

RECAP
17 Aug. 18, 1997

Stipulation of parties regarding hearing on plaintiff's motion for class certification re: cross-examination of affiants; referred to Mag. Judge Walker. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 08/19/1997)

RECAP
Aug. 19, 1997

Tele-conference held before Mag. Judge Susan R. Walker on 8/19/97 (dkt clerk)

Aug. 19, 1997

Tele-conference held before Mag. Judge Susan R. Walker on 8/19/97 (dkt clerk) (Entered: 08/20/1997)

PACER
18 Aug. 20, 1997

ORDER cancelling the class certification hearing set for8/21/97; plaintiff shall submit her amended class defination by 8/26/97; terminated deadlines ; denying as moot [10-1] motion to Compel defendants to produce documents; plaintiff has leave to renew her motion if necessary after defendants inform her of their additional efforts to locate the documents in question ( signed by Mag. Judge Susan R. Walker ), copies mailed to counsel. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 08/20/1997)

RECAP
19 Aug. 26, 1997

AMENDED MOTION by Martha Sandoval to Certify Class referring to: [6-1] motion to Certify Class by Martha Sandoval; referred to Mag. Judge Susan R. Walker (dkt clerk) (Entered: 08/27/1997)

RECAP
20 Sept. 3, 1997

REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS of Mag. Judge Susan R. Walker Re: [6-1] motion to Certify Class; that the motion to certify the class be GRANTED and that the named plaintiff be CERTIFIED as the representative of the class of all legal residents of the State of Alabama who are otherwise qualified to obtain a class D private vehicle driver's license but cannot do so because they are not sufficiently fluent in English; Motion no longer referred; Objections to R and R due by 9/16/97. Copies mailed to counsel (dkt clerk) (Entered: 09/03/1997)

RECAP
21 Sept. 17, 1997

MOTION by L. N. Hagan, Dept. of Public Safe to Extend Time to file dispositive motions ; referred to Judge Ira De Ment (dkt clerk) (Entered: 09/17/1997)

RECAP
Sept. 23, 1997

Stamped ORDER granting [21-1] motion to Extend Time to file dispositive motions, reset Scheduling Order Deadlines: Motion Filing to 10/24/97 ; ( by Judge Ira De Ment ), copies mailed to counsel. (dkt clerk)

Sept. 23, 1997

Stamped ORDER granting [21-1] motion to Extend Time to file dispositive motions, reset Scheduling Order Deadlines: Motion Filing to 10/24/97 ; ( by Judge Ira De Ment ) , copies mailed to counsel. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 09/23/1997)

PACER
22 Oct. 1, 1997

JOINT MOTION by Martha Sandoval, L. N. Hagan, Dept. of Public Safe to Amend [5-1] Scheduling order referred to Judge Ira De Ment (dkt clerk) (Entered: 10/02/1997)

PACER
23 Oct. 8, 1997

MOTION by L. N. Hagan to Quash subpoena, and for Protective Order (Exhibits l and 2 attached); referred to Mag. Judge Susan R. Walker (ajr) (Entered: 10/09/1997)

RECAP
24 Oct. 9, 1997

ORDER that the plaintiff's deadline for naming experts and providing expert reports and for responding to the defendants' motion for summary judgment is 11/7/97; the defendants' deadline for naming experts and providing expert reports and for replying to the plaintiff's response is 11/14/97; the deadline for the face-to-face settlment conference is 11/13/97 ( signed by Judge Ira De Ment ); copies mailed to counsel. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 10/10/1997)

RECAP
25 Oct. 10, 1997

ORDER, motion hearing set for 10:30 10/15/97, by telephone, before Mag. Judge Susan R. Walker for [23-1] motion to Quash subpoena, and [23-2] motion for Protective Order ; directing counsel for L. N. Hagan to set up the conference call; directing clerk of the court to notify all counsel of record via facsimile ( signed by Mag. Judge Susan R. Walker ), copies mailed to counsel; furnished to MT, JT; faxed to counsel as directed. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 10/10/1997)

RECAP
26 Oct. 14, 1997

OPPOSITION by Martha Sandoval to [23-1] motion to Quash subpoena by L. N. Hagan, [23-2] motion for Protective Order by L. N. Hagan (Exhibits A - F attached); referred to Mag. Judge Susan R. Walker (dkt clerk) (Entered: 10/15/1997)

RECAP
27 Oct. 17, 1997

ORDER adopting [20-1] report and recommendation; granting motion to certify class; that named plaintiff is CERTIFIED as representative of the class; ( signed by Judge Ira De Ment ), copies mailed to counsel. (ajr) (Entered: 10/17/1997)

RECAP
28 Oct. 24, 1997

MOTION by L. N. Hagan, Dept. of Public Safe for Summary Judgment referred to Judge Ira De Ment (dkt clerk) (Entered: 10/27/1997)

RECAP
29 Oct. 24, 1997

MEMORANDUM by L. N. Hagan, Dept. of Public Safe in support of [28-1] motion for Summary Judgment by Dept. of Public Safe, L. N. Hagan (Exhibits A - I attached); referred to Judge Ira De Ment (dkt clerk) (Entered: 10/27/1997)

RECAP
30 Oct. 29, 1997

MOTION by Martha Sandoval to alter the briefing schedule regarding the motion for summary judgment ; referred to Judge Ira De Ment (dkt clerk) (Entered: 10/30/1997)

RECAP
31 Nov. 6, 1997

ORDER granting in part [30-1] motion to alter the briefing schedule regarding the motion for summary judgment, Response to Motion set to 11/25/97 for [28-1] motion for Summary Judgment for Martha Sandoval, set reply brief deadline for 12/5/97 for Dept. of Public Safe, for L. N. Hagan ( signed by Judge Ira De Ment ), copies mailed to counsel; furnished to RL. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 11/06/1997)

RECAP
32 Nov. 14, 1997

Notice Concerning Settlement Conference and Mediation filed by Martha Sandoval; referred to Judge Ira De Ment (dkt clerk) (Entered: 11/17/1997)

RECAP
33 Nov. 17, 1997

ORDER, set Scheduling Order Deadlines: Pretrial Conference for 1:00 12/17/97 before Judge Ira De Ment ; Proposed Pretrial Order due 12/10/97 ; Non-jury trial set for 2/17/98 before Judge Ira De Ment ; ( signed by Judge Ira De Ment ), copies mailed to counsel; furnished to MT, RL. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 11/17/1997)

RECAP
34 Nov. 19, 1997

MOTION by Martha Sandoval for Mary Beth Schultz to Appear Pro Hac Vice FILING FEE $ 10.00 RECEIPT # 68447 referred to Judge Ira De Ment (dkt clerk) (Entered: 11/21/1997)

RECAP
Nov. 20, 1997

Remailed Order entered 11/17/97 (doc. no. 33) per Judge DeMent's instructions. (dkt clerk)

Nov. 20, 1997

Remailed Order entered 11/17/97 (doc. no. 33) per Judge DeMent's instructions. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 11/20/1997)

PACER
35 Nov. 24, 1997

ORDER denying [23-1] motion to Quash subpoena, denying [23-2] motion for Protective Order; directing the clerk of the court to notify all counsel by facsimile; ( signed by Mag. Judge Susan R. Walker ), copies mailed to counsel; copy faxed. (ydw) (Entered: 11/24/1997)

RECAP
36 Nov. 25, 1997

RESPONSE (w/table of contents) by Martha Sandoval in opposition to [28-1] motion for Summary Judgment by Dept. of Public Safe, L. N. Hagan (Exhibits 1-29 maintained in separate binder); referred to Judge Ira De Ment (dkt clerk) Modified on 11/26/1997 (Entered: 11/26/1997)

RECAP
Nov. 25, 1997

Stamped ORDER granting [34-1] motion for Mary Beth Schultz to Appear Pro Hac Vice as counsel of record for the plaintiff (signed by District Judge Ira De Ment ), copies mailed to counsel. (cc)

Nov. 25, 1997

Stamped ORDER granting [34-1] motion for Mary Beth Schultz to Appear Pro Hac Vice as counsel of record for the plaintiff (signed by District Judge Ira De Ment ) , copies mailed to counsel. (cc) (Entered: 11/25/1997)

PACER
37 Nov. 26, 1997

Witness list by L. N. Hagan, Dept. of Public Safe; referred to Judge DeMent. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 12/01/1997)

RECAP
38 Dec. 5, 1997

REPLY BRIEF by L. N. Hagan, Dept. of Public Safe in support of [28-1] motion for Summary Judgment by Dept. of Public Safe, L. N. Hagan (with attachments); referred to Judge Ira De Ment (dkt clerk) (Entered: 12/08/1997)

RECAP
39 Dec. 24, 1997

SUPPLEMENT TO OPPOSITION by Martha Sandoval to [28-1] motion for Summary Judgment by Dept. of Public Safe, L. N. Hagan (Exhibits 30 - 35 attached); referred to Judge Ira De Ment (dkt clerk) (Entered: 12/29/1997)

RECAP
40 Jan. 6, 1998

Response by defendants to supplement to plaintiffs' opposition to defendants' motion for summary judgment (with attachments); referred to Judge DeMent. (dkt clerk) Modified on 01/07/1998 (Entered: 01/07/1998)

RECAP
41 Jan. 15, 1998

MOTION by Martha Sandoval to allow Spanish language interpreter at trial (with attachments); referred to Judge Ira De Ment (dkt clerk) (Entered: 01/16/1998)

RECAP
42 Jan. 22, 1998

MOTION by Martha Sandoval to exclude Ronald Johnson as trial witness (with attachment); referred to Judge Ira De Ment (dkt clerk) (Entered: 01/23/1998)

RECAP
43 Jan. 22, 1998

MOTION by Martha Sandoval for special trial setting ; referred to Judge Ira De Ment (dkt clerk) (Entered: 01/23/1998)

RECAP
Feb. 3, 1998

Stamped ORDER denying as moot [42-1] motion to exclude Ronald Johnson as trial witness ( by Judge Ira De Ment ), copies mailed to counsel. (dkt clerk)

Feb. 3, 1998

Stamped ORDER granting [41-1] motion to allow Spanish language interpreter at trial ( by Judge Ira De Ment ), copies mailed to counsel; furnished to TCC. (dkt clerk)

Feb. 3, 1998

Stamped ORDER denying [43-1] motion for special trial setting ( by Judge Ira De Ment ), copies mailed to counsel. (dkt clerk)

Feb. 3, 1998

Stamped ORDER denying as moot [42-1] motion to exclude Ronald Johnson as trial witness ( by Judge Ira De Ment ) , copies mailed to counsel. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 02/03/1998)

PACER
Feb. 3, 1998

Stamped ORDER granting [41-1] motion to allow Spanish language interpreter at trial ( by Judge Ira De Ment ) , copies mailed to counsel; furnished to TCC. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 02/03/1998)

PACER
44 Feb. 4, 1998

Exhibit list by L. N. Hagan, Dept. of Public Safe; referred to Judge DeMent. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 02/05/1998)

RECAP
45 Feb. 9, 1998

SUPPLEMENTAL AUTHORITY by Martha Sandoval concerning [28-1] motion for Summary Judgment by Dept. of Public Safe, L. N. Hagan (with attachments); referred to Judge Ira De Ment (dkt clerk) (Entered: 02/09/1998)

RECAP
46 Feb. 10, 1998

NOTICE by Martha Sandoval regarding defendants' proposed trial exhibits; referred to Judge DeMent. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 02/11/1998)

RECAP
47 Feb. 11, 1998

Pretrial Stipulations by parties (received in Judge's chambers 12/11/97); referred to Judge DeMent. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 02/12/1998)

RECAP
48 Feb. 11, 1998

OBJECTION by L. N. Hagan, Dept. of Public Safe to [46-1] notice regarding trial exhibits by Martha Sandoval; referred to Judge Ira De Ment (dkt clerk) (Entered: 02/12/1998)

RECAP
49 Feb. 12, 1998

PRETRIAL ORDER set Scheduling Order Deadlines: Non-jury trial set for 10:00 2/17/98 before Judge Ira De Ment ; ( signed by Judge Ira De Ment ), copies mailed to counsel; furnished to MT, RL. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 02/12/1998)

RECAP
50 Feb. 12, 1998

ORDER denying [28-1] motion for Summary Judgment ( signed by Judge Ira De Ment ), copies mailed to counsel. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 02/12/1998)

RECAP
51 Feb. 12, 1998

MOTION by Martha Sandoval to Strike [48-1] objection to trial exhibits by Dept. of Public Safe, L. N. Hagan (with attachments); referred to Judge Ira De Ment (dkt clerk) (Entered: 02/13/1998)

PACER
Feb. 12, 1998

Stamped ORDER granting [9-1] motion to Amend [4-1] answer by Dept. of Public Safe, L. N. Hagan ( by Judge Ira De Ment ) , copies mailed to counsel. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 02/12/1998)

PACER
Feb. 12, 1998

Stamped ORDER denying as moot [14-1] motion for Reconsideration of [13-1] order setting a motion hearing for 10:00 8/15/97 before Mag. Judge Susan R. Walker for [6-1] motion to Certify Class, denying as moot [14-2] motion to continue the hearing on the motion to certify class ( by Judge Ira De Ment ), copies mailed to counsel. (dkt clerk)

Feb. 12, 1998

Pre-Trial Conference held before Judge Ira De Ment on 12/17/97 (dkt clerk)

Feb. 12, 1998

Pre-Trial Conference held before Judge Ira De Ment on 12/17/97 (dkt clerk) (Entered: 02/12/1998)

PACER
Feb. 12, 1998

Stamped ORDER denying as moot [22-1] joint motion to Amend [5-1] Scheduling order ( by Judge Ira De Ment ), copies mailed to counsel. (dkt clerk)

Feb. 12, 1998

Stamped ORDER denying as moot [22-1] joint motion to Amend [5-1] Scheduling order ( by Judge Ira De Ment ) , copies mailed to counsel. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 02/12/1998)

PACER
Feb. 12, 1998

Stamped ORDER granting [9-1] motion to Amend [4-1] answer by Dept. of Public Safe, L. N. Hagan ( by Judge Ira De Ment ), copies mailed to counsel. (dkt clerk)

Feb. 12, 1998

Stamped ORDER denying as moot [14-1] motion for Reconsideration of [13-1] order setting a motion hearing for 10:00 8/15/97 before Mag. Judge Susan R. Walker for [6-1] motion to Certify Class, denying as moot [14-2] motion to continue the hearing on the motion to certify class ( by Judge Ira De Ment ) , copies mailed to counsel. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 02/12/1998)

PACER
52 Feb. 17, 1998

Plaintiffs' memorandum regarding 42 U.S.C. Section 1981 claim; referred to Judge DeMent. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 02/17/1998)

RECAP
53 Feb. 17, 1998

Defendants' position regarding plaintiffs' claims under 42 USC Section 1981; referred to Judge DeMent. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 02/17/1998)

RECAP
54 Feb. 18, 1998

Courtroom Deputy's MINUTES of proceedings: non-jury trial held 2/17/98 through 2/18/98 before Judge Ira DeMent; 2/18/98 - defendants' ORAL MOTION for entry of judgment in favor of defendant as to intentional discrimination - GRANTED; 2/18/98 - defendants' ORAL MOTION for entry of judgment in favor of defendant as to disparit impact theory - DENIED; granting defendants' motion for summary judgment on 1981 claim; 2/18/98 - defendants' ORAL MOTION for judgment as a matter of law - RESERVING RULING (Witness and Exhibit Lists attached) (dkt clerk) (Entered: 02/19/1998)

RECAP
Feb. 18, 1998

Non-jury trial held before Judge Ira De Ment on 2/17/98 through 2/18/98 (dkt clerk) (Entered: 02/19/1998)

PACER
Feb. 18, 1998

Non-jury trial held before Judge Ira De Ment on 2/17/98 through 2/18/98 (dkt clerk)

55 Feb. 24, 1998

MOTION by Martha Sandoval to supplement the record with data regarding illiteracy (Exhibits 33, 34, 35 attached); referred to Judge Ira De Ment (dkt clerk) (Entered: 02/25/1998)

RECAP
56 Feb. 24, 1998

POST-TRIAL BRIEF by Martha Sandoval; referred to Judge DeMent. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 02/25/1998)

RECAP
57 Feb. 27, 1998

POST-TRIAL BRIEF by L. N. Hagan, Dept. of Public Safe; referred to Judge DeMent. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 03/02/1998)

RECAP
58 Feb. 27, 1998

MOTION by L. N. Hagan, Dept. of Public Safe to supplement record (Exhibit 5 and 7 attached); referred to Judge Ira De Ment (dkt clerk) (Entered: 03/02/1998)

RECAP
59 March 2, 1998

ORDER that by 10:00 a.m., 3/5/98, plaintiffs file a memorandum or brief responding to the Eleventh Amendment issues raised by the defendants ( signed by Judge Ira De Ment ), copies mailed to counsel; furnished to RL; faxed to counsel as directed. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 03/02/1998)

RECAP
March 2, 1998

Stamped ORDER granting [55-1] motion to supplement the record with data regarding illiteracy ( by Judge Ira De Ment ), copies mailed to counsel. (dkt clerk)

March 2, 1998

Stamped ORDER granting [58-1] motion to supplement record ( by Judge Ira De Ment ), copies mailed to counsel. (dkt clerk)

March 2, 1998

Stamped ORDER granting [55-1] motion to supplement the record with data regarding illiteracy ( by Judge Ira De Ment ) , copies mailed to counsel. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 03/02/1998)

PACER
March 2, 1998

Stamped ORDER granting [58-1] motion to supplement record ( by Judge Ira De Ment ) , copies mailed to counsel. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 03/02/1998)

PACER
60 March 5, 1998

MOTION by Martha Sandoval to Amend [1-1] complaint (proposed amendment to complaint attached); referred to Judge Ira De Ment (dkt clerk) (Entered: 03/05/1998)

PACER
61 March 5, 1998

SUPPLEMENTAL TRIAL-BRIEF by Martha Sandoval; referred to Judge DeMent. (dkt clerk) (Entered: 03/05/1998)

RECAP
62 March 6, 1998

REPLY by L. N. Hagan, Dept. of Public Safe to [61-1] supplemental trial brief by Martha Sandoval, and RESPONSE to [60-1] motion to Amend [1-1] complaint by Martha Sandoval; referred to Judge Ira De Ment (dkt clerk) (Entered: 03/09/1998)

RECAP
63 March 13, 1998

MOTION by L. N. Hagan, Dept. of Public Safe to submit additional authority and brief argument relating to plaintiffs' Title VI claim (with attachments); referred to Judge Ira De Ment (dkt clerk) Modified on 09/18/1998 (Entered: 03/16/1998)

RECAP
March 17, 1998

Stamped ORDER (rendered 3/16/98) granting [63-1] motion to submit additional authority and brief argument relating to plaintiffs' Title VI claim ( by Judge Ira De Ment ), copies mailed to counsel. (dkt clerk) Modified on 03/17/1998

March 17, 1998

Stamped ORDER (rendered 3/16/98) granting [63-1] motion to submit additional authority and brief argument relating to plaintiffs' Title VI claim ( by Judge Ira De Ment ) , copies mailed to counsel. (dkt clerk) Modified on 03/17/1998 (Entered: 03/17/1998)

PACER
64 March 19, 1998

MOTION by Martha Sandoval for Leave to File response to defendants 3/13 submission (proposed response to defendantas' March 13 submission attached); referred to Judge Ira De Ment (dkt clerk) (Entered: 03/20/1998)

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory:

Alabama

Case Type(s):

Public Benefits/Government Services

Immigration and/or the Border

Key Dates

Filing Date: Dec. 31, 1996

Closing Date: 2001

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Legal residents of the State of Alabama who were otherwise qualified to obtain a Class D private vehicle driver’s license, but could not do so because they are not sufficiently fluent in English.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

Southern Poverty Law Center

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Granted

Defendants

State

Alabama Department of Public Safety

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1981

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq.

Other Dockets:

Middle District of Alabama 2:96-cv-01875

Supreme Court of the United States 99-1908

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit 98-06598

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Trial Court Docket

U.S. Supreme Court merits opinion

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Defendant

Relief Granted:

None

Source of Relief:

None

Issues

Immigration/Border:

Constitutional rights

Recommended Citation