Opinion
No. 93-2755-Tu, Misc. No. 98-50-Tu (Bkty), 98-2093-Tu, 98-2777-Tu, 93-2968-Tu, 99-2525-Tu, 99-2673-Tu
March 22, 2000
ORDER DIRECTING FILING OF LETTER
The March 21, 2000 letter attached hereto is to be filed and sent to all parties in these matters.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
ATTACHMENT UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT WESTERN DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE 1157 CLIFFORD DAVIS FEDERAL BUILDING MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE 38103
JULIA SMITH GIBBONS CHIEF JUDGE
March 21, 2000
RE: No. 93-2755-Tu; U.S.A v. William M. Gurley 98-50-Tu; In Re Betty Jean Gurley (Bky) 98-2093-Tu; William M. Gurley v. U.S.A. 98-2777-Tu; City of Memphis v. U.S.A. 98-2968-Tu; Signature Combs, Inc. v. U.S.A. 99-2525-Tu; William M. Gurley v. So. 8th St. Group Trust 99-2673-Tu; William M. Gurley v. Tri-State Mack, Inc.
Dear Attorneys:
In view of Judge Jerome Turner's death, I felt that I should advise you of the current situation regarding reassignment of these cases. While we have reassigned virtually all of Judge Turner's cases, after consultation with the chair of the Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, I have chosen not to reassign these cases at the present time.
My conversations about the status of these cases with Judge Turner's staff have indicated that these cases may be resolved as to some parties if the consent decree is entered in the Eastern District of Arkansas. It is also my understanding that mediation might well resolve any remaining issues between the parties.
If the parties think it important that these cases be reassigned promptly, please let me know. If not, I propose to leave then in an unreassigned status for the time being and then meet with the parties after resolution of the consent decree issue to discuss possible mediation.
Meanwhile, I understand from Judge Turner's staff that various parties may be filing status reports. I have seen the one filed by plaintiffs in cases 98-2777 and 98-2968. I am certain that reports such as these from other parties would be very helpful in the future handling of the cases.
Sincerely,
Julia S. Gibbons