Opinion
5:18-cv-00058 (TBR)
03-07-2022
ALICE PENMAN, Administrator of Estate of Marcus Penman, Deceased, Plaintiff, v. CORRECT CARE SOLUTIONS, LLC, et al., Defendant.
MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER
Thomas B. Russell, Senior Judge United States District Court
This matter comes before the Court upon Defendants'-Randy White, Cookie Crews, Josh Patton, Deborah Coleman, James Corley, Jason Denny, Robert Harris, Michael Lamb, Steven E. Sargent, and Steven H. Sargent-motion in limine regarding other inmate deaths and incidents, DN 226. Plaintiff has responded, DN 232.
Also before the Court is Defendants'-Randy White, Cookie Crews, Josh Patton, Deborah Coleman, James Corley, Jason Denny, Robert Harris, Michael Lamb, Steven E. Sargent, and Steven H. Sargent-various motions in limine, DN 227. Plaintiff has responded, DN 230.
Also before the Court is Defendant Kerwyn Walston's motions in limine, DN 228. Plaintiff has responded, DN 233.
For the reasons that follow, DN 226 is GRANTED, DN 227 is GRANTED IN PART AND DENIED IN PART, and DN 228 GRANTED IN PART AND DENIED IN PART.
I. FACTUAL BACKGROUND
A detailed recitation of the facts can be found in the Court's contemporaneously filed opinion ruling on Defendants' motions for summary judgment. See Summ. J. The facts therefore do not need to be repeated in detail here. The gist of the matter, however, is that Marcus Penman, an inmate at the Kentucky State Penitentiary (KSP), died while officers tried to restrain him. See Amended Complaint (Am. Compl.), Dkt. 79. Penman's widow has now filed this lawsuit. See id.
II. MOTION IN LIMINE REGARDING OTHER INMATE DEATHS BY DEFENDANTS WHITE, CREWS, PATTON, COLEMAN, CORLEY, DENNY, HARRIS, LAMB, S.E. SARGENT, AND S.H. SARGENT [DN 226]
Defendants seek to prohibit Plaintiff from introducing or attempting to introduce evidence or testimony of the incidents involving the death of any inmate who is not Marcus Penman. See DN 226 at 1-2. Here, Defendants argue that the other incidents are irrelevant and that their probative worth is substantially outweighed by a danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, undue delay, and wasted time. See Id. Plaintiff responds that Defendants' argument fails to account for the supervisory liability claims against White, Crews, and Coleman. See DN 232 at 1-3.
As Plaintiff notes, evidence of the other inmates' deaths is only relevant to the supervisory liability claims against Defendants White, Crews, and Coleman. See id.; see also Summ. J. Those supervisory liability claims have been dismissed. See Summ. J. As such, Plaintiff is prohibited from referencing the death of any inmate other than Penman.
III. VARIOUS MOTIONS IN LIMINE BY DEFENDANTS WHITE, CREWS, PATTON, COLEMAN, CORLEY, DENNY, HARRIS, LAMB, S.E. SARGENT, AND S.H. SARGENT [DN 227]
A. Exclude References to Other Litigation
Defendants seek to prohibit any references to other actions or litigation to which any party has been involved. See DN 227 at 1. Here, Defendants argue that the other litigation does not show that any fact at issue in this case is more or less probable, and that the references would be more prejudicial than probative of the issues involved in this case. See Id. Plaintiff responds that the references to other litigation are necessary to support the supervisory liability claims against Defendants White, Crews, and Coleman. See DN 230 at 1. However, because those supervisory liability claims against those three defendants have been dismissed, see Summ. J., the references to other litigation are no longer relevant to the instant case. Accordingly, the motion in limine is GRANTED.
B. Exclude Video of Deposition Testimony During Opening Statement
Defendants seek to bar “[v]ideo ‘snippets' of deposition testimony . . . from opening statements because” (1) “the substantial risk that the jury could be exposed to statements that are not subsequently admitted into evidence at trial” and (2) the jury “cannot put the snippets into the proper context.” DN 227 at 1-2. Plaintiff states that she will only play video exhibits that will be admitted into evidence. See DN 230 at 3. Plaintiff is correct that she is free to show any video snippets that will later be admitted into evidence. Although Defendants fear that a video will be taken out of context, they will have ample opportunity during trial to explain to the jury any context they feel is necessary. Therefore, the motion in limine is DENIED.
C. Exclude Any Videos During Closing Statement
Defendants seek to prohibit Plaintiff “from using any video ‘snippets' in her closing argument without first presenting the snippets to the Court and these Defendants before . . . review and a hearing on the matter.” DN 227 at 2. Plaintiff states that she will only play video exhibits that will have been admitted into evidence. See DN 230 at 3. Plaintiff is correct that she is free to show any videos that will have been admitted into evidence. Accordingly, the motion in limine is DENIED.
D. Exclude References to Discovery or Other Pre-Trial Disputes
Defendants seek to exclude any mention of discovery disputes or other pre-trial disputes because they are irrelevant to the issues in this case. See DN 227 at 2-3. Plaintiff states that she has no intention of referencing discovery or other pretrial disputes, or requests made by Defendants to exclude certain evidence from trial. See DN 230 at 3. Therefore, the motion in limine is DENIED AS MOOT.
E. Exclude Statements That This Lawsuit Is “Only About Compensating the Plaintiff” or “Will Not Affect Defendants”
Defendants seek to exclude any statements that this lawsuit is “[o]nly about compensating the Plaintiff” or “[w]ill not affect [Defendants].” DN 227 at 3. Such statements, according to Defendants, would be prejudicial and factually false. See Id. Plaintiff states that she has no intention of stating that the lawsuit “will not affect Defendants.” See DN 230 at 3. Therefore, the motion in limine is DENIED AS MOOT.
F. Exclude Any Reference Asking the Jury to “Send a Message”
Defendants seek to prohibit Plaintiff from suggesting to jurors that “they ‘send a message' to Defendants or should be the ‘conscience of the community' with regard to matters at issue in this case.” DN 227 at 3. Such statements, according to Defendants, would be prejudicial because they urge the jury to render a verdict based on passion and prejudice. See Id. at 3-4. “ ‘Send a message' or conscience of the community arguments are disfavored in the Sixth Circuit.” Brooks v. Caterpillar Glob. Mining Am., LLC, No. 4:14CV-00022-JHM, 2017 WL 3401476, at *8 (W.D. Ky. Aug. 8, 2017); see also Strickland v. Owens Corning, 142 F.3d 353, 358-359 (6th Cir. 1998) (Such arguments “ ‘can have no appeal other than to prejudice' ” and amount to an “ ‘improper distraction from the jury's sworn duty to reach a fair, honest and just verdict.' ”) (quoting Westbrook v. General Tire and Rubber Co., 754 F.2d 1233, 1238 (5th Cir. 1985); Calaway ex rel. Calaway v. Schucker, 2013 WL 311441, at *3 (W.D. Tenn. Jan. 25, 2013). Accordingly, the motion in limine is GRANTED. Counsel is precluded form requesting that the jury “send a message” or act as the “conscience of the community.” As to punitive damages, a jury may only award punitive damages if they believe that a defendant's conduct involved a reckless indifference or disregard for Plaintiff's constitutional rights, life, or safety. Punitive damages are awarded against a defendant for the purpose of punishing the defendant for misconduct and deterring him and others from engaging in similar conduct.
G. Exclude Any Reference Concerning Ethical or Moral Obligations
Defendants seek to exclude any references to ethical or moral obligations on the part of Defendants. See DN 227 at 4. Here, Defendants argue that such testimony would Such statements, according to Defendants, would be prejudicial and factually false. See Id. Plaintiff opposes this motion. See DN 230 at 4. Any opinion about the Defendants' ethical and moral obligations is irrelevant and inadmissible. Davis v. Duran, 277 F.R.D. 362, 373 (N.D. Ill. 2011). Plaintiff's “subjective notions of morality have no role to play in this or any other case. Conceptions about ethics and morality . . . play [no role] in the actual trial of a § 1983 case, which is governed by specific legal principles as defined by the court in its jury instructions.” Id. Accordingly, Defendants' motion in limine is GRANTED.
H. Exclude Any Reference Referring to Marcus Penman as a “Victim”
Defendants seek to prohibit Plaintiff from referring to Marcus Penman as a “victim.” See DN 227 at 4. Such terminology, Defendants argue, would improperly affect the jurors' impartiality. See Id. Plaintiff opposes this motion. See DN 230 at 5. “[T]he term ‘victim'- when afforded its plain meaning-does not necessarily imply criminal wrongdoing.” Brooks v. Caterpillar Glob. Mining Am., LLC, No. 4:14CV-00022-JHM, 2017 WL 3401476, at *10 (W.D. Ky. Aug. 8, 2017) (quoting Riley v. Ford Motor Co., 2011 WL 3273592, *2 (S.D.Miss. July 29, 2011)). Indeed, Plaintiff can claim that Penman was a victim of Defendants' negligence/misconduct, and Plaintiff's counsel should be free to present Plaintiff's case in that light. See Id. However, the Court does advise counsel that “it will not allow grandstanding, theatrics, and gamesmanship in the courtroom.” Id. Accordingly, this motion is DENIED.
I. Exclude Use of “Golden Rule” References
Defendants seek to exclude “golden rule” arguments, i.e., suggestions to jurors that they put themselves in the shoes of one of the parties. See DN 227 at 5. According to Defendants, it would be impermissible and inflammatory for Plaintiff to make these suggestions. See Id. Defendants are correct that “golden rule” arguments are improper because they invite decision based on bias and prejudice rather than consideration of facts. See, e.g., Michigan First Credit Union v. Cumis Ins. Soc., Inc., 641 F.3d 240, 249 (6th Cir. 2011). However, Plaintiff states that she has no intention of raising “golden rule” arguments at trial. See DN 230 at 5. Therefore, the motion in limine is DENIED AS MOOT.
J. Exclude Evidence of Settlement Discussions
Defendants next seek to bar any mention of settlement discussions. See DN 227 at 5. Evidence of settlement negotiation and agreement is generally inadmissible for any purpose under Rule 408 of the Federal Rules of Evidence, including proving liability for, or invalidity of, the claim or its amount. See Shadrick v. S. Health Partners, Inc., No. 4:11CV-00033-JHM, 2016 WL 4555611, at *7 (W.D. Ky. Aug. 31, 2016). However, Plaintiff has stated that she has no intention of referring to settlement discussion at trial. See DN 230 at 5. Accordingly, this motion in limine is DENIED AS MOOT.
K. Exclude Lay Witness Testimony on Medical Issues
Defendants seek to prohibit any lay witness from offering testimony about medical or mental health issues. See DN 227 at 5-6. Plaintiff responds that lay witnesses should be permitted to testify concerning Penman's obvious medical needs. See DN 230 at 5-6. A lay witness may testify to issues that are obvious and readily understandable by an average layperson. To the extent that Defendants seek to preclude a lay witness from testifying about such obvious medical needs, this motion in limine is DENIED.
L. Prohibit Plaintiff From Referring to Defendants Collectively as “They” or “Them”
Defendants seek to prohibit Plaintiff from “referring to them generically as ‘they' or ‘them.' ” DN 227 at 7. This is because, according to Defendants, they are “not fungible” and each are before they Court in their respective individual capacities. See Id. at 6-7. Plaintiff opposes this motion. See DN 230.
This is the same request made by Defendants in a prior motion in limine, which the Court denied. As other district courts have held, entire prohibitions on collective references are often “overbroad and burdensome.” Joan Cravens, Inc. v. Deas Constr., Inc., No. 1-15-CV-385-KS-MTP, 2017 WL 217650, at *3 (S.D.Miss. Jan. 18, 2017). Indeed, the risk of unfair prejudice is greatly diminished by the fact that the jury will receive instructions that explain the claims against each specific Defendant. See Id. Therefore, this motion in limine is DENIED.
M. Sequestration of Witnesses
Defendants move to sequester all non-party witnesses and all former Defendants in this action pursuant to Fed.R.Evid. 615. See DN 227 at 7. This request is consistent with Fed.R.Evid. 615. See Brooks v. Caterpillar Glob. Mining Am., LLC, No. 4:14CV-00022-JHM, 2017 WL 3401476, at *1 (W.D. Ky. Aug. 8, 2017). However, Plaintiff does not object to this motion. See DN 230 at 6. Accordingly, the motion in limine is DENIED AS MOOT.
N. Disclosure and Identification of Witnesses
Defendants move the Court to require each party to provide the other parties the names and expected sequence of those witnesses that the party intends to call at trial no later than one full business day in advance. See DN 227 at 7. Plaintiff does not object. See DN 230 at 6. Accordingly, this motion in limine is GRANTED.
O. Prohibit the Court from Recognizing Any Witness as an Expert
Defendants next move for a prohibition on any party to request the Court to recognize that any witness is an expert or is an expert in a particular area. See DN 227 at 7. According to Defendants, the parties may qualify a witness as an expert through questioning, but that should not allow a witness to be recognized as an expert by the Court. See Id. Plaintiff responds that “it is axiomatic that [she] cannot be prohibited from referring to witnesses who are qualified as experts as ‘experts.' ” DN 230 at 7. To the extent that Defendants' motion in limine requests that the Court will not recognize any witness as expert, the motion is granted. However, nothing in this decision precludes Plaintiff from referring to her expert witnesses as experts. Accordingly, the motion in limine is GRANTED.
P. Peremptory Challenges
Defendants next argue that each Defendant should be entitled to his or her own set of three peremptory challenges, because each Defendant is separate from all of the other parties. See DN 227 at 8. Plaintiff opposes this motion. See DN 230 at 7. Granting Defendants' motion would result in the Defendants having a collective twenty-seven peremptory challenges, as compared to Plaintiff's three peremptory challenges. Such an allocation would be inequitable. Cf. In re Air Crash Disaster, 86 F.3d 498, 519 (6th Cir. 1996) (approvingly quoting a district court that concluded giving a group of defendants the “astronomical” number of twelve peremptory challenges, as opposed to plaintiff's six, would be “inequitable”). Furthermore, the Court does not believe that denying this motion in limine will result in undue prejudice. As such, the motion in limine is DENIED. The Court will address the number of peremptory strikes at the final pretrial conference.
Q. Exclude Any Reference to the Financial Standing of the Parties
Finally, Defendants request that no party or witness be permitted to discuss the financial standing of the parties. See DN 227 at 8. Plaintiff responds that evidence of the Defendants' financial condition is relevant to the demand for punitive damages. See DN 230 at 7 (citing City of Newport v. Fact Concerts, Inc., 453 U.S. 247, 270 (1981)). The Court does not at this time rule on the motion, but requests further briefing from both parties, as specified herein. Parties shall submit briefs on this motion in limine seven days from the date of this order.
IV. MOTIONS IN LIMINE BY DEFENDANT WALSTON [DN 228]
A. Joins DN 226
Walston joins in the motion in limine filed at DN 226. The Court's opinion pertaining to those motions also applies to Walston.
B. Joins DN 227
Walston joins in the motion in limine filed at DN 227. The Court's opinion pertaining to those motions also applies to Walston. Walston does, however, make additional arguments with respect to two motions in limine.
a. Exclude Statements That This Lawsuit Is “Only About Compensating the Plaintiff”
Here, Walston notes that (1) he is neither indemnified nor defended by the Commonwealth and (2) Walston therefore requests an order prohibiting or limiting the parties from seeking to highlight or suggest liability on the basis of the fact that Walston is represented by private counsel. See DN 228 at 2. “Plaintiff does not contest the[se] additional arguments.” DN 233 at 1-2. Accordingly, for the same reasons that the Court denied as moot the other Defendants' request to prohibit statements that this lawsuit is “only about compensating the plaintiff, ” Walston's motion in limine is DENIED AS MOOT.
b. Exclude Evidence of Settlement Discussions
Here, Walston adds a request to prohibit the parties from referencing Walston's lack of participation in mediation or motion seeking relief from participating in mediation. See DN 228 at 2. For the same reasons that the Court denied as moot the other Defendants' request to exclude evidence of settlement discussions, Walston's motion in limine is DENIED AS MOOT.
C. Requests Order Prohibiting Parties from Mentioning Press Release
Walston requests entry of an order prohibiting the parties from seeking to introduce evidence regarding the Kentucky State Police press release and news articles regarding Marcus Penman's death. See DN 228 at 2-3. Here, Walston maintains that this evidence is irrelevant (because was not involved in preparing these documents), inadmissible hearsay, and more prejudicial than probative. See Id. at 3. Plaintiff does not respond to this request. See DN 233. The Court will grant Walston's motion-the supervisory liability claims against White, Crews, and Coleman have been dismissed and Plaintiff has not demonstrated that Walston was involved in preparing, providing information for, or dissemination of these documents. Accordingly, the motion in limine is GRANTED.
D. Requests Order Prohibiting Parties' Witnesses From Using “Conclusory” Terms
Walston requests entry of an order prohibiting the parties and their witnesses from testifying in conclusory terms such as “negligent, ” complete and wanton indifference, ” “complete and utter recklessness, ” “improperly motivated, ” very wantonly, ” etc. See DN 228 at 3. Plaintiff suggests that the Court wait until trial to determine whether, in the proper context, the use of any or all of the phrases listed by Walston should be disallowed. See DN 233 at 2-3. The Court agrees with Plaintiff. While Walston is correct that a witness may not invade the province of a jury, additional information is needed to determine whether these phrases and words do so. The Court reserves ruling on Walston's objecitons until it has the benefit of context during trial. Accordingly, the motion is DENIED.
E. Requests Order Prohibiting Dr. Sobel From Offering Opinions That Were Undisclosed
Walston requests entry of an order prohibiting Dr. Sobel from offering opinions that were undisclosed. See DN 228 at 3. Plaintiff characterizes Walston's objection as an untimely Daubert motion. See DN 233 at 3.
Generally, experts must testify within the scope of their expert reports or discovery depositions. “This principle is implicit in Fed.R.Civ.P. 26(a)(2)(B) and 26(e)(1), which ‘require disclosures in advance of trial of the bases and reasons for an expert's opinions.' ” Shadrick v. S. Health Partners, Inc., No. 4:11CV-00033-JHM, 2016 WL 4555611, at *3 (W.D. Ky. Aug. 31, 2016) (quoting Asher v. Unarco Material Handling, Inc., 2008 WL 2596612, at *2 (E.D. Ky. June 25, 2008). However, objections related to the scope of an expert's testimony are better left for trial. See Id. Thus, the motion is DENIED.
F. Requests Order Prohibiting Dr. Sobel From Offering Opinions That Exceed the Scope of His Expertise
Walston requests entry of an order prohibiting Dr. Sobel from offering opinions that exceed the scope of his expertise. See DN 228 at 3-5. This is the same request made in a prior motion in limine, which the Court granted. Dr. Sobel is a medical expert, not a use of force expert. As such, he may not offer expert opinions on use of force issues. Thus, this motion in limine is GRANTED.
G. Requests Order Prohibiting Dr. Sobel From Offering Opinions That Engage in Conjecture or Assigning Motive or Thoughts to Correctional Staff
Walston requests entry of an order prohibiting Dr. Sobel from offering opinions that engage in conjecture by assigning thoughts to correctional staff. See DN 228 at 5. Specifically, Walston takes issue with Dr. Sobel's comment that “the correctional staff ‘didn't expect [Nurse Bauer] to do any nursing assessment, and they didn't expect this man to go to the emergency department' ” Id. at 5. Plaintiff does not respond to this argument. See DN 233. Permitting Dr. Sobel's testimony to include this type of conjecture would be improper. As such, the motion in limine is GRANTED.
H. Requests Order Prohibiting Dr. Sobel From Offering Opinions That Are Medical Opinions Held in Terms of Possibility Rather Than Probability
Walston requests entry of an order prohibiting Dr. Sobel from offering opinions that are not offered in terms of reasonable medical probability. See DN 228 at 6. Here, Walston argues that Dr. Sobel should not be able to testify that (1) it is possible that the restraints or the placement in a restraint chair contributed to Penman's asphyxia or (2) the time when Penman died. See DN 228 at 6. Plaintiff does not respond to these arguments. See DN 233. Walston is correct that in order for a medical expert's opinion to be admissible, his opinions must express that a fact is probably true, not just possibly true. See, e.g., Johnson v. Memphis Light Gas & Water Div., 695 Fed.Appx. 131, 137 (6th Cir. 2017). While the Court will not exclude any specific part of Dr. Sobel's proposed testimony at this time because it has yet to be highlighted with specificity to the case, it is true that Dr. Sobel must frame his opinion in terms of probability. Accordingly, the motion in limine is GRANTED.
I. Requests Order Prohibiting Parties from Referring to Policies and Procedures
Walston requests entry of an order prohibiting Dr. Sobel from referring to policies and procedures. See DN 228 at 6. Plaintiff responds that the KDOC and facility policies and procedures are relevant to their claims. See DN 233 at 3-4. Plaintiff is correct. As the Sixth Circuit noted, “[although failing to follow procedures does not, by itself, rise to the level of deliberate indifference, whether an officer complied with policy can be relevant to establishing the officer's knowledge of the risk to an inmate and whether the officer disregarded that risk.” Burwell v. City of Lansing, Michigan, 7 F.4th 456, 476 (6th Cir. 2021) (quotations and internal citation omitted). Plaintiff is bringing a deliberate indifference claim, so the policies and procedures in question are relevant. See Id. Accordingly, the motion is DENIED.
V. CONCLUSION
For the above stated reasons, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that DN 226 is GRANTED, DN 227 is GRANTED IN PART AND DENIED IN PART, and DN 228 GRANTED IN PART AND DENIED IN PART.
IT IS SO ORDERED.