Case: California Democratic Party v. Jones

2:96-cv-02038 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California

Filed Date: Nov. 21, 1996

Clearinghouse coding in progress

Case Summary

(This summary is temporary, while we research the case.) California Democratic Party v. Jones, 530 U.S. 567, was a case in which the United States Supreme Court held that California's blanket primary violated a political party's First Amendment freedom of association.

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/32222677/parties/ca-democratic-party-v-jones/


Judge(s)

Levi, David F. (California)

Attorney for Plaintiff
Attorney for Defendant

Lopez, Leslie Renee (California)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Bell, Charles Herbert (California)

Clark, James P. (California)

Mueller, John E. (California)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

[Untitled]

None

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/32222677/ca-democratic-party-v-jones/

Last updated May 5, 2026, 12:13 p.m.

ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Nov. 21, 1996

COMPLAINT before Honorable David F. Levi referred to Magistrate Judge Peter A. Nowinski Summons issued fee status paid Receipt # 175789 Notice regarding Consent forms (ch) (Entered: 11/22/1996)

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2 Nov. 21, 1996

ORDER setting scheduling conference for <date not set> before Honorable David F. Levi (cc: all counsel) (ch) (Entered: 11/22/1996)

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3 Nov. 22, 1996

RETURN OF SERVICE executed upon defendant Bill Jones on 11/22/96 (old) (Entered: 11/25/1996)

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4 Dec. 12, 1996

ANSWER of Secretary of State by dft Bill Jones to complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief (ljr) (Entered: 12/17/1996)

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5 Jan. 3, 1997

JOINT STATUS REPORT by pltf and dft (ch) (Entered: 01/06/1997)

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6 Jan. 14, 1997

NOTICE: from Court SETTING scheduling conference for 11:00am on 1/31/97 before DFL ; This conference will not allow itself to a conference call, therefore, a personal appearance will be required by counsel (old) (Entered: 01/17/1997)

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Jan. 27, 1997

LODGED Stipulation and Order to intervene by intervenors California Republican Party Michael Schoeder, Shawn Steel, and Donna Shalansky (old)

Jan. 30, 1997

LODGED stipulation and proposed order for intervenor Californians for an Open Primary to file proposed answer in intervention (dd)

7 Feb. 4, 1997

ANSWER in intervention by Intervenor Californias for an Open Primary (ljr) (Entered: 02/14/1997)

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8 Feb. 4, 1997

ORDER by Honorable David F Levi GRANTING intervenors' Californians for an Open Primary adding Californians for an Open Primary (cc: all counsel) (ljr) (Entered: 02/04/1997)

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9 Feb. 5, 1997

INTERVENOR'S COMPLAINT by California Republican Party, Michael Schroeder, Shawn Steel, and Donna Shalansky (ndd) (Entered: 02/06/1997)

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10 Feb. 12, 1997

STATUS (PRETRIAL SCHEDULING) ORDER by Honorable David F. Levi discovery ddl set for 6/13/97; expert witnesses ddl set for 5/9/97; pretrial conference set for 6/27/97; trial set for 9:00 7/28/97 (cc: all counsel) (ndd) (Entered: 02/12/1997)

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11 Feb. 12, 1997

STIPULATION AND ORDER by Honorable David F. Levi that upon stipulation, plts in intervention/intervenors CA Republican Party, Michael Schroeder, Shawn Steel and Donna Shalansky may file the proposed complaint in intervention in this case (cc: all counsel) (ndd) (Entered: 02/12/1997)

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12 Feb. 14, 1997

DECLARATION of John E Mueller in support of proposed stipulation and order lodged with the court on 1/27/97 and a proposed complaint in intervention [0-0] (ch) (Entered: 02/19/1997)

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13 March 10, 1997

AMENDED COMPLAINT [1-1] by plaintiff adding Californians for an Open Primary (old) (Entered: 03/11/1997)

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March 10, 1997

LODGED Proposed Stipulation and Order re: joinder of additional Political Party pltfs and filing of First Amended Complaint by plaintiffs (old)

14 March 14, 1997

STIPULATION AND ORDER by Honorable David F. Levi JOINING Peace & Freedom Pty, C T Weber, Libertarian Party CA, Gail Lightfoot as pltfs in this action (cc: all counsel) (old) (Entered: 03/14/1997)

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15 April 16, 1997

ANSWER TO FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT by defendant Bill Jones and intervenor Californians for an open primary (old) (Entered: 04/17/1997)

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16 May 2, 1997

DESIGNATION of expert witnesses by pltfs CA Democratic Party, Art Torres, Kathy Bowler, Paul Jorjorian, Libertarian Party CA, Gail Lightfoot, C T Weber (old) (Entered: 05/05/1997)

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17 May 7, 1997

ANSWER by defendant Secretary of State Bill Jones and intervenor dft Californians for an open primary to complaint in intervention for declaratory and injunctive relief (ljr) (Entered: 05/20/1997)

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18 May 19, 1997

MOTION for leave to by intervenor-plaintiff Michael Schroeder, intervenor-plaintiff Shawn Steel, intervenor-plaintiff Donna Shalansky ; to file motion for reconsideration of order granting intervention; hearing not notice (ljr) (Entered: 05/20/1997)

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19 May 19, 1997

MOTION for reconsideration of order granting intervention by intervenor-plaintiff Michael Schroeder, intervenor-plaintiff Shawn Steel, intervenor-plaintiff Donna Shalansky ; hearing not notice (ljr) (Entered: 05/20/1997)

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20 May 19, 1997

MEMORANDUM and points and authorities by intervenor-plaintiff Michael Schroeder, Shawn Steel in support of motion for reconsideration of order granting intervention to intervenor/dft Californians for an open primary [19-1] (ljr) Modified on 05/21/1997 (Entered: 05/20/1997)

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21 May 19, 1997

NOTICE by plaintiffs pursuant to Local Rule 7-10 (dd) (Entered: 05/21/1997)

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May 19, 1997

LODGED [proposed] order motion for leave to file motion for reconsideration of order granting intervention by intervenor-plaintiff Michael Schroeder, intervenor-plaintiff Shawn Steel, intervenor-plaintiff Donna Shalansky (ljr)

22 May 20, 1997

AMENDED APPLICATION ( terminating original motion 18 ) for leave to file motion for reconsideration of order granting intervention by plts (ndd) (Entered: 05/21/1997)

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23 May 20, 1997

AMENDED NOTICE AND MOTION (terminating original motion 19) for reconsideration of order granting intervention by plts (ndd) (Entered: 05/21/1997)

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24 May 20, 1997

LETTER to court from counsel for plts enclosed the documents [23-1], [22-1] [0-0] for filing and disregard the document erroneously filed on 5/19/97 entitled "Notice pursuant to LR 7-10" (ndd) (Entered: 05/21/1997)

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May 20, 1997

LODGED Proposed Order granting leave to file motion for reconsideration of order granting intervention by plts (ndd)

25 May 22, 1997

ERRATA to amended application for reconsideration and supporting documents (old) (Entered: 05/23/1997)

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26 May 23, 1997

OPPOSITION by defendant Bill Jones to motion for leave to file motion for reconsideration of order granting intervention plts [22-1] (ch) (Entered: 05/27/1997)

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27 May 29, 1997

ORDER by Honorable David F. Levi ORDERING motion for reconsideration of order granting intervention by plts [23-1] DENIED, motion for leave to file motion for reconsideration of order granting intervention by plts [22-1] DENIED (cc: all counsel) (old) (Entered: 05/29/1997)

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May 29, 1997

LODGED Document not signed (old) Modified on 05/29/1997

May 29, 1997

LODGED Document not signed (old)

28 June 20, 1997

JOINT PRETRIAL STATEMENT from plaintiffs (kdc) (Entered: 06/23/1997)

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29 June 26, 1997

SUPPLMENTAL EXHIBIT list by plaintiffs (kdc) (Entered: 06/27/1997)

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30 June 26, 1997

JOINT PRETRIAL STATEMENT from plaintiffs (kdc) (Entered: 06/27/1997)

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31 June 27, 1997

PRE-TRIAL ORDER approved by Honorable David F. Levi pretrial conference held 6/27/97; trial set for 8:30am on 7/29/97; post rial briefs of no more than 35 pages shall be filed by 9/2/97; rply brief of no more than 10 pages may be filed by 9/9/97; Oral argument is set for 10/3/97 at 9:30am (cc: all counsel) (old) (Entered: 06/27/1997)

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32 July 7, 1997

OBJECTIONS by plaintiff to pre-trial order [31-1] (ch) (Entered: 07/09/1997)

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33 July 14, 1997

LETTER to court from counsel for defendant Bill Jones regarding pretrial conference order of 6/25/97 [31-1] (old) (Entered: 07/17/1997)

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July 15, 1997

LODGED Stipulation and order dismissing pltf's second cause of action by plaintiffs (old)

34 July 18, 1997

EXPERT REPORTS (STATEMENT) by plaintiffs and defendant (old) (Entered: 07/21/1997)

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35 July 18, 1997

DEPOSITION of Art Torres taken on the following date(s) 6/11/97 (old) (Entered: 07/21/1997)

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36 July 18, 1997

DEPOSITION of Sal Russo taken on the following date(s) 6/6/97 (old) (Entered: 07/21/1997)

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37 July 18, 1997

DEPOSITION of Gail Katherine Lightfoote taken on the following date(s) 6/6/97 (old) (Entered: 07/21/1997)

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38 July 18, 1997

DEPOSITION of Bruce E Cain taken on the following date(s) 6/13/97 (old) (Entered: 07/21/1997)

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39 July 18, 1997

DEPOSITION of Edmond Costantini taken on the following date(s) 6/5/97 (old) (Entered: 07/21/1997)

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40 July 18, 1997

DEPOSITION of Michael Schroeder taken on the following date(s) 6/11/97 (old) (Entered: 07/21/1997)

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41 July 18, 1997

DEPOSITION of Robert W Naylor taken on the following date(s) 6/6/97 (old) (Entered: 07/21/1997)

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42 July 18, 1997

DEPOSITION of Richard Winger taken on the following date(s) 6/4/97 (old) (Entered: 07/21/1997)

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43 July 18, 1997

DEPOSITION of Martin Wattenberg PHD taken on the following date(s) 6/9/97 (old) (Entered: 07/21/1997)

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44 July 18, 1997

DEPOSITION of C T Weber taken on the following date(s) 6/10/97 (old) (Entered: 07/21/1997)

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46 July 21, 1997

LETTER to clerk from counsel for plaintiff submitting courtesy binder of expert reports to Judge Levi (old) (Entered: 07/22/1997)

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47 July 21, 1997

TRIAL brief submitted by plaintiffs (old) (Entered: 07/22/1997)

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48 July 21, 1997

JOINT TRIAL brief submitted by intervenor dfts Californians for an Open Primary (old) (Entered: 07/22/1997)

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49 July 21, 1997

OBJECTIONS by pltf's and intervenor-pltf's to dfts and intervenor dfts trial exhibits (old) (Entered: 07/22/1997)

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50 July 21, 1997

PROPOSED FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS of facts and conclusions of law by pltf and intervenor pltf's CA Republican Party, Michael Schroeder, Shawn Steel and Donna Shalansky (cc: all counsel) (old) (Entered: 07/22/1997)

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52 July 21, 1997

NOTICE by plaintiff of lodging deposition transcripts for Mervin Field, Elisabeth Gerber, Eugene C Lee, Jonathan Nagler, David Olson, and T Anthony Quinn (ch) (Entered: 07/23/1997)

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53 July 21, 1997

Multiple regression Analysis and Report on Competitiveness in congressional elections and primary type by professor Martin P Wattenberg by intervenor, intervenor-plaintiff (ch) (Entered: 07/23/1997)

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54 July 21, 1997

TRIAL brief submitted by intervenor, intervenor-plaintiff (ch) (Entered: 07/23/1997)

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55 July 21, 1997

PROPOSED FINDINGS of fact and conclusions of law filed by intervenor dft CA for an Open Primary (cc: all counsel) (old) Modified on 07/23/1997 (Entered: 07/23/1997)

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45 July 22, 1997

STIPULATION AND ORDER by Honorable David F. Levi: plts' second cause of action and the intervenor-plt's second cause of action are hereby dismissed without prejudice (cc: all counsel) (ndd) (Entered: 07/22/1997)

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51 July 22, 1997

ORDER by Honorable David F. Levi ORDERING plts' request to augment the pretrial order [32-1] is GRANTED; the Pretrial Order is amended accordingly (cc: all counsel) (ndd) (Entered: 07/22/1997)

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56 July 28, 1997

SUPPLEMENTAL EXHIBIT by intervenor Californians for An Open Primary (old) (Entered: 07/30/1997)

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57 July 28, 1997

MINUTES before Honorable David F. Levi of trial 1st day: witnesses called and testified; recess to 7/29/97 at 8:00 am; C/R D McKinnon (kdc) (Entered: 07/30/1997)

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58 July 29, 1997

MINUTES before Honorable David F. Levi of trial 2nd day; testimony of Oscar Costintini, David Olson; David Wattenburg sworn and testified; C/R D McKinnon (kdc) (Entered: 07/30/1997)

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59 July 30, 1997

MINUTES of court trial, 3rd day before Honorable David F. Levi: continued testimony was heard; noon recess was taken; court in session; further testimony head; recess to 7/31/97 at 1:30pm C/R McKinnon (ndd) (Entered: 08/01/1997)

RECAP
60 July 31, 1997

MINUTES of court trial 4th day before Honorable David F. Levi: continued testimony was heard; all parties rest; continued to 10/3/97 at 9:30 for argument C/R McKinnon (ndd) (Entered: 08/01/1997)

RECAP
Aug. 27, 1997

LODGED Stipulation and order extending briefing and hearing schedule by plaintiff (ch)

61 Sept. 3, 1997

STIPULATION AND ORDER by Honorable David F. Levi trial oral aurgment shall be heard at 10:00am on 10/3/97; post trial briefs shall be filed and served by personal deliver or FAX no later than 4pm on 9/22/97 and reply briefs of no more than 10 pages shall be filed and served by personal delivery or FAX no later than 4:30pm on 9/26/97 (cc: all counsel) (old) Modified on 09/05/1997 (Entered: 09/03/1997)

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62 Sept. 5, 1997

TRANSCRIPT of 7/28/97 Court Trial by C/R Dennis McKinnon (ch) Modified on 01/20/1998 (Entered: 09/08/1997)

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63 Sept. 5, 1997

TRANSCRIPT of 7/29/97 hearing on Court Trial by C/R Dennis McKinnon (ch) (Entered: 09/08/1997)

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64 Sept. 5, 1997

TRANSCRIPT of 7/31/97 hearing on Court Trial by C/R Dennis McKinnon (ch) (Entered: 09/08/1997)

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65 Sept. 5, 1997

TRANSCRIPT of 7/30/97 hearing on Court Trial by C/R Dennis McKinnon (ch) (Entered: 09/08/1997)

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Sept. 12, 1997

LODGED Stipulation and Proposed Order modifying page limitation for post trial briefs by dft Bill Jones (ndd)

67 Sept. 22, 1997

DFTS' JOINT POST-TRIAL BRIEF by defendants Bill Jones, and intervenors Californians for and Open Primary (old) (Entered: 09/23/1997)

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68 Sept. 22, 1997

POST-TRIAL BRIEF by intervenor-plaintiffs Michael Schroeder, Shawn Steel, Donna Shalansky (old) (Entered: 09/23/1997)

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69 Sept. 22, 1997

PLTF'S POST-TRIAL BRIEF by pltf's CA Democratic Party, Art Torres, Kathy Bowler, Paul Jorjorian, Peace & Freedom Pty, C T Weber, Libertarian Party CA, Gail Lightfoot (old) (Entered: 09/23/1997)

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66 Sept. 23, 1997

ORDER by Honorable David F. Levi ORDERING stipulation and order modifying page limitations for post trial briefs is [0-0] GRANTED; Good cause having been shown, and pursuant to the stiplation of the parties; dfts may file one joint post trial brief not to exceed 70 pages (cc: all counsel) (ch) (Entered: 09/23/1997)

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70 Sept. 23, 1997

PROOF OF SERVICE by intervenor Californians of [67-1] (old) (Entered: 09/24/1997)

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71 Sept. 26, 1997

REPLY BRIEF by plaintiffs CA Democratic Party, Art Torres, Kathy Bowler, Paul Jorjorian, Peace & Freedom Pty, C T Weber, Libertarian Party CA, Gail Lightfoot (old) (Entered: 09/29/1997)

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72 Sept. 26, 1997

NOTICE OF ERRATA by defendant Bill Jones to defendants post trial brief [71-1] (old) (Entered: 09/29/1997)

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73 Sept. 26, 1997

INTERVENORS' REPLY BRIEF by Michael Schroeder, Shawn Steel, Donna Shalansky, CA Republican Party in (old) (Entered: 09/29/1997)

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74 Sept. 29, 1997

JOINT REPLY BRIEF by intervenor Californians (old) (Entered: 09/30/1997)

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75 Oct. 17, 1997

TRANSCRIPT of 10/3/97 hearing on arguments by C/R Catherine E F Bodene (old) (Entered: 10/20/1997)

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76 Nov. 17, 1997

MEMORANDUM, Opinion and Order: by Honorable David F. Levi dfts' motion for summary judgment is GRANTED; and pltfs' motions for declaratory relief are DENIED (cc: all counsel) (old) (Entered: 11/17/1997)

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77 Nov. 21, 1997

LETTER to court from counsel Cyrus J Rickards regarding the order of 11/17/97 (old) (Entered: 11/24/1997)

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78 Nov. 24, 1997

ORDER by Honorable David F. Levi re order 11/17/97 [76-1] page 9 note 10 line 21 omit "Gerber Report"; page 13 line 1 replace "state's" with "State's"; page 17 note 17 line 18 insert a comma after "Justice Powell noted"; page 26 line 14 omit "or uncontested"; page 36 note 34 at line 24 replace "blanket" with "closed"; page 40 line 13-15 replace lines 13-15 with "Judgment is awarded to defendants"; with copy of amended memorandum of opinion; (cc: all counsel) (old) (Entered: 11/24/1997)

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79 Dec. 4, 1997

JUDGMENT entered pursuant to order 11/24/97 by Honorable David F. Levi (cc: all counsel) (old) (Entered: 12/04/1997)

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81 Dec. 23, 1997

NOTICE OF APPEAL by pltfs CA Democratic Party, Art Torres, Kathy Bowler, Paul Jorjorian, Peace & Freedom Pty, C T Weber, Libertarian Party CA, and Gail Lightfoot from District Court decision ( fee status paid) (old) (Entered: 12/29/1997)

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80 Dec. 24, 1997

NOTICE OF APPEAL by interpleader CA Republican Party, intervenor-plaintiff Michael Schroeder, Shawn Steel, and Donna Shalansky from District Court decision, (fee status paid) (old) (Entered: 12/26/1997)

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82 Dec. 29, 1997

MAILED case information/docket fee payment notice copy of Notice of Appeal and appealed 12/4/97 judgment to 9th Circuit Court of Appeals copy of appeal and certified copy of docket sheet to all parties re interpleader CA Republican Party, intervenor-pltf Michael Schroeder, Shawn Steel and Donna Shalansky (old) (Entered: 12/29/1997)

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83 Dec. 29, 1997

MAILED case information/docket fee payment notice copy of Notice of Appeal and appealed 12/4/97 judgment to 9th Circuit Court of Appeals copy of appeal and certified copy of docket sheet to all parties re pltfs CA Democratice Party, Art Torres, Kathy Bowler, Paul Jorjorian, Peace & Freedom Party, CT Webe, Libertarian Party CA, and Gail Lightfoot (old) (Entered: 12/29/1997)

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84 Dec. 31, 1997

TRANSCRIPT DESIGNATION and Ordering Form for dates 7/28/97 to 7/31/97 [62-1, 63-1, 64-1, 65-1] 10/3/97 [75-1] re appeal [81-1] (ndd) (Entered: 01/02/1998)

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85 Dec. 31, 1997

CERTIFICATE OF RECORD transmitted to 9th Circuit [81-1] (notice sent) (ndd) (Entered: 01/02/1998)

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86 Jan. 2, 1998

NOTIFICATION by 9th Circuit of Appellate Docket Number 97-17442 (old) (Entered: 01/02/1998)

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87 Jan. 2, 1998

NOTIFICATION by 9th Circuit of Appellate Docket Number 97-17440 (old) (Entered: 01/02/1998)

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88 Jan. 16, 1998

TRANSCRIPT DESIGNATION and Ordering Form for dates 7/28/97, 7/29/97, 7/30/97, 7/31/97 re appeal [81-1] regarding transcript [65-1], regarding transcript [64-1], regarding transcript [63-1], regarding transcript [62-1] and 10/17/97 (ch) (Entered: 01/20/1998)

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89 Jan. 22, 1998

TRANSCRIPT DESIGNATION and Ordering Form for dates 7/28, 7/29, 7/30, 7/31/97, 10/3/97 re appeal [80-1] regarding transcript [75-1], regarding transcript [65-1], regarding transcript [64-1], regarding transcript [63-1], regarding transcript [62-1] (ndd) (Entered: 01/23/1998)

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90 Jan. 22, 1998

NOTICE of Portions of Transcript to be ordered by intervenor/plts CA Republican Party, Michael Schroeder, Shawn Steel, Donna Shalansky regarding [89-1] (ndd) (Entered: 01/23/1998)

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Case Details

State / Territory:

California

Case Type(s):

Election/Voting Rights

Key Dates

Filing Date: Nov. 21, 1996

Case Details

Other Dockets:

Eastern District of California 2:96-cv-02038

Recommended Citation