Opinion
Civil Action 1:20-CV-3-SA-DAS
11-02-2021
MICHAEL RUSSELL PLAINTIFF v. CITY OF TUPELO, MISSISSIPPI, et al. DEFENDANTS
ORDER
SHARION AYCOCK UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
On November 1, 2021, the Defendants filed a Motion to Bifurcate [114]. In their Motion [114], the Defendants request that the Court “bifurcate the issue of punitive damages from the liability and compensatory damages phase of the upcoming jury trial of this matter[.]” [114] at p. 1. In his Response [115], Michael Russell states that he “agrees that the punitive damages issue should be bifurcated.” [115] at p. 1.
In pertinent part, Rule 42(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure provides:
(b) Separate Trials. For convenience, to avoid prejudice, or to expedite and economize, the court may order a separate trial of one or more separate issues, claims, crossclaims, counterclaims, or third-party claims.FED. R. CIV. P. 42(b).
Utilizing the discretion authorized by Rule 42(b), the Court will bifurcate the issue of punitive damages from the liability and compensatory damages phase of the trial of this matter. The Motion [114] is GRANTED.
SO ORDERED.