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March 10, 2005
TOD Lawsuit News
By QBlog in
So what's new with Team of Destiny's complaint against Scott Larsen? Well, on Feb. 24 something called a Stipulation and Order to Extend Case Management Order Deadlines (pdf) was filed (you can get an official copy from PACER, a government Web site).
If you're anything like me (and sure hope you're not) then you'd rather be gored by a mad bull than read a court document. And so I've decided to read it for you and present a one paragraph summary so that you may avoid the unpleasantness of reading a three page court document. Ain't I swell?
All the attorneys agree to extend the dates in the case. Hooray. The discovery process, the part where the defendant "discover" things about the plaintiff, was delayed until Feb. 11 because of the mediation (mediated by the man with two first names, Bill Jack). They decided to cut off discovery on July 31, 2005, and the trial is scheduled to begin April 2006! Those wheels of justice move slowly in Michigan.
And that's about it. Looks like the lawsuit is still rolling right along and that the mediation didn't work out. And that reminds me, while I'm talking about courts and documents and all that, let me say a few words about PACER.
PACER
PACER is NOT the thing controlling Dick Cheney's heart. That's a Pacemaker. No, PACER stands for Public Access to Court Electronic Records. Pretty self-explanatory. It's open to the public and provides court records electronically.
"But mister, all them electronic gizmos scare me somethin' fierce."
"Don't worry little Timmmy, I'll walk you through it and you'll be reading public court records in no time. Heck, you can even print them out like I do and distribute them to all your friends."
"Gee mister. That's swell."
Registering With PACER
I registered with PACER a couple of years ago and it's been nothing but fun ever since. It's pretty simple. Just fill out PACER's simple registration form and you're in business.
Once you're logged in, go to the U.S. Party Case Index page and click "USPCI Login." Then, in the "Search" column (as opposed to the "Reports" and "User Options") select the "All Court Types" link. This allows you to search every court case on file. In the "All Court Types" search I recommend using the "party name" field. Be sure you put the last name first. You can search for Scott Larsen, Dexter Yager, Rich DeVos or any other name you know.
Searches are free but it will cost you eight pennies to view each page which isn't such a bad deal really.
Anyway, I encourage everyone to visit this public service and have a little fun. Search the name of your best buddy. Search the name of your high school gym teacher. Search the name of your Quixtar upline. You never know what will turn up.
Oh, one more thing. This is all perfectly, 100% legal and open to the public. These are PUBLIC documents published by our U.S. Courts. I know it's obvious to you but little Suzy there on the back row is always worried about such things. Suzy, don't fear. If it's on PACER then our U.S. courts put it there for you to read.
Ain't America Grand?
Comments
I'm in Canada. I can! ontario was in. But I'm unable to retrieve my login yet.
PACER has revolutionized the way I practice law.....no more running to court to review dockets or case files. Together with ECF (Electronic Case Filing), it means I almost NEVER have to go to the courthouse to file anything for my Federal Cases. Saves gas (approaching $2.00 per gallon), time (a big one here due to the location of the courthouse) paper (many less copies need to be made when you file electronically) and convenience (I can file anytime, not just when the courthouse doors are open) I used to say this career would be great if I didn't have to go to court.....now I don't!!!!!!
I forgot postage.....I get email notification of all filings on my cases, and when I file things, other parties are notified electronically. Really cuts down on mailing copies to the numerous parties...well worth the $.08 per page
Is there any way someone outside the US can view these? I'm in the UK and to register you have to give a US address and zip code.
Posted by: Lisa | March 10, 2005 11:04 AM