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Case TitleJUDICIAL WATCH, INC. v. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
DistrictDistrict of Columbia
CityWashington, DC
Case Number1:2017cv00916
Date Filed2017-05-16
Date Closed2020-08-24
JudgeJudge Christopher R. Cooper
PlaintiffJUDICIAL WATCH, INC.
Case DescriptionJudicial Watch submitted a FOIA request to the FBI for records concerning contacts with Christopher Steele, a former British intelligence officer who had investigated Donald Trump's potential connections to Russia. The agency acknowledged receipt of the request, but after hearing nothing further from the agency, Judicial Watch filed suit.
Complaint issues: Failure to respond within statutory time limit, Adequacy - Search, Litigation - Vaughn index, Litigation - Attorney's fees

DefendantU.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Documents
Docket
Complaint
Complaint attachment 1
Complaint attachment 2
Complaint attachment 3
Complaint attachment 4
Opinion/Order [19]
FOIA Project Annotation: Judge Christopher Cooper has ruled that the FBI properly issued a Glomar response neither confirming nor denying the existence of records in response to a request from Judicial Watch for records concerning whether the FBI had considered paying former British intelligence operative Christopher Steele for his dossier pertaining to allegations the Russians had compromising information about Donald Trump. Judicial Watch argued that Trump had publicly acknowledged the existence of records concerning payment for the Steele dossier in an Oct. 21 tweet that read "Officials behind the now discredited 'Dossier' plead the Fifth. Justice Department and/or FBI should immediately release who paid for it." Cooper disagreed. He noted that "clearly, this tweet does not publicly and officially acknowledge the existence of any documents related to the first and third parts of Judicial Watch's FOIA request �" which sought records of communications between the FBI and Mr. Steele and records produced in preparation for any meetings or conversations between the FBI and Mr. Steele. The tweet makes no reference to any meetings or communications between the FBI and Mr. Steele. As such, it does not constitute a public acknowledgment of the existence of any documents within the scope of the first and third parts of Judicial Watch's request." Nor did the tweet address the matter of whether or not the FBI paid for the Steele dossier. Here, Cooper explained that "while the President's tweet could arguably suggest that the FBI has some records concerning who paid for the Trump Dossier, it does not acknowledge that there are records that the FBI paid for it. Because Judicial Watch must point to a public acknowledgement of the specific records it seeks, this tweet is insufficient to constitute public acknowledgement."
Issues: Public domain, Determination - Glomar response
Opinion/Order [43]
FOIA Project Annotation: Judge Christopher Cooper has ruled that Judicial Watch has shown a sufficient public interest in knowing more about the FBI's communications with Christopher Steele, a former British intelligence operative who compiled a dossier on Donald Trump's vulnerability to Russian influence, after Steele's status as a confidential source was ended in November 2016, to require a further search. Judicial Watch submitted a three-part request on Steele and the agency issued a Glomar response neither confirming nor denying the existence of records. However, after Steele's relationship with the FBI was declassified, the agency conducted two searches for responsive records. It disclosed five pages in full and 85 pages in part, primarily claiming various subparts of Exemption 7 (law enforcement records). Judicial Watch argued that the agency failed to search for communications with Steele after his confidential source status ended. The FBI claimed any information was protected by Exemption 6 (invasion of privacy) and Exemption 7(C) (invasion of privacy concerning law enforcement records). Cooper noted that Judicial Watch could overcome the FBI's privacy exemption claims if it could show a public interest in disclosure of such communications with Steele. He pointed out that "although it is difficult for the Court to opine on that question in the abstract�"given that the FBI has not conducted the search and the contents of any potentially responsive records are unknown �" the Court can envision how such records might reveal insights into the FBI." He added that "of course, the records Judicial Watch speculates about might not even exist �" and even if they do, they may not reveal anything significant about the FBI's operations. But that they might do so makes them a matter of potential public interest." Turning to Steele's privacy interests, Cooper noted that "that Steele is already a public figure with a well-known association with the FBI does not, to be sure, destroy his privacy interests in other communications he may have with the FBI. . .Just the same, Steele's FBI-related notoriety certainly weakens his privacy interests." Ordering the agency to conduct a further search, Cooper observed that the agency might well find that any records were appropriately exempt. However, he pointed out that "but until the FBI actually conducts a search, it cannot explain, and the Court cannot evaluate, the propriety of [any] exemptions."
Issues: Determination - Glomar response, Exemption 7(C) - Invasion of privacy concerning law enforcement records
User-contributed Documents
 
Docket Events (Hide)
Date FiledDoc #Docket Text

2017-05-161COMPLAINT against U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ( Filing fee $ 400 receipt number 0090-4953276) filed by JUDICIAL WATCH, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Summons U.S. Attorney, # 3 Summons U.S. Attorney General, # 4 Summons U.S. Department of Justice)(Peterson, James) (Entered: 05/16/2017)
2017-05-162LCvR 7.1 CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests by JUDICIAL WATCH, INC. (Peterson, James) (Entered: 05/16/2017)
2017-05-16Case Assigned to Judge Christopher R. Cooper. (md) (Entered: 05/18/2017)
2017-05-193SUMMONS (3) Issued Electronically as to U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (jf) (Entered: 05/19/2017)
2017-05-264RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed as to the United States Attorney. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney on 5/26/2017. ( Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 6/25/2017.), RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed on United States Attorney General. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney General 5/26/2017., RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE served on 5/26/2017 (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Cristina Rotaru)(Peterson, James) (Entered: 05/26/2017)
2017-06-265NOTICE of Appearance by James O. Bickford on behalf of U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (Bickford, James) (Entered: 06/26/2017)
2017-06-266ANSWER to Complaint by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE.(Bickford, James) (Entered: 06/26/2017)
2017-06-27MINUTE ORDER: Before the Court in this FOIA case are a 1 Complaint and an 6 Answer. It is hereby ORDERED that the parties shall promptly confer and file a joint proposed schedule for briefing or disclosure by July 14, 2017. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 6/27/2017. (lccrc2) (Entered: 06/27/2017)
2017-06-28Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Proposed Briefing Schedule due by 7/14/2017 (lsj) (Entered: 06/28/2017)
2017-07-147Joint STATUS REPORT by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Bickford, James) (Entered: 07/14/2017)
2017-07-18MINUTE ORDER: In light of 7 parties' Joint Status Report, it is hereby ORDERED that the summary-judgment briefing schedule be established as follows: Defendant's motion for summary judgment shall be due on or by September 15, 2017; Plaintiff's cross-motion and opposition to Defendant's motion shall be due on or by October 20, 2017; Defendant's opposition and reply in support of its motion shall be due on or by November 17, 2017; and Plaintiff's reply shall be due on or by December 8, 2017. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 7/18/2017. (lccrc2) (Entered: 07/18/2017)
2017-09-138Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Motion for Summary Judgment by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Bickford, James) (Entered: 09/13/2017)
2017-09-15MINUTE ORDER granting 8 Defendant's Motion for Extension of Time to File Motion for Summary Judgment. The following briefing schedule shall now apply: Defendant shall file its Motion for Summary Judgment by September 25, 2017. Plaintiff shall file its Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment and Opposition by November 3, 2017. Defendant shall file its Opposition and Reply by November 30, 2017. Plaintiff shall file its Reply by December 22, 2017. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 9/15/17. (lccrc2) Modified on 9/15/2017 (zlsj). (Entered: 09/15/2017)
2017-09-259MOTION for Summary Judgment by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Statement of Facts, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Bickford, James) (Entered: 09/25/2017)
2017-09-2510AFFIDAVIT Declaration of David M. Hardy by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Exhibit)(Bickford, James) (Entered: 09/25/2017)
2017-11-0211Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File and Reset Briefing Schedule by JUDICIAL WATCH, INC. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Peterson, James) (Entered: 11/02/2017)
2017-11-03MINUTE ORDER granting 11 Plaintiff's Motion to Reset Briefing Schedule. The following briefing schedule shall now apply: Plaintiff's combined motion for summary judgment and opposition is due by November 17, 2017; Defendant's combined opposition and reply is due by December 14, 2017; and Plaintiff's reply is due by January 5, 2018. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 11/3/2017. (lccrc2) (Entered: 11/03/2017)
2017-11-1712Memorandum in opposition to re 9 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by JUDICIAL WATCH, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Peterson, James) (Entered: 11/17/2017)
2017-11-1713Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment by JUDICIAL WATCH, INC. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Peterson, James) (Entered: 11/17/2017)
2017-12-1414Memorandum in opposition to re 13 Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment and Reply in Support of its Motion for Summary Judgment filed by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Bickford, James) (Entered: 12/14/2017)
2017-12-1415REPLY to opposition to motion re 9 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (See Docket Entry 14 to view document). (znmw) (Entered: 12/15/2017)
2018-01-0516Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 13 Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment by JUDICIAL WATCH, INC. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Peterson, James) (Entered: 01/05/2018)
2018-01-08MINUTE ORDER granting 16 Plaintiff's Motion for Extension of Time to File Reply. Plaintiff's reply is due by January 9, 2018. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 1/8/2018. (lccrc1) (Entered: 01/08/2018)
2018-01-09Set/Reset Deadlines: Plaintiff's Reply due by 1/9/2018. (mac) (Entered: 01/09/2018)
2018-01-0917REPLY to opposition to motion re 13 Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by JUDICIAL WATCH, INC.. (Peterson, James) (Entered: 01/09/2018)
2018-02-0518ORDER granting 9 Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment and denying 13 Plaintiff's Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment. For the reasons stated in the accompanying Memorandum Opinion, it is hereby ORDERED that Defendant's motion for summary judgment be granted and Plaintiff's cross-motion for summary judgment be denied. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 2/5/2018. (lccrc2) (Entered: 02/05/2018)
2018-02-0519MEMORANDUM OPINION re 18 Order granting Defendant's motion for summary judgment and denying Plaintiff's cross-motion for summary judgment. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 2/5/2018. (lccrc2) (Entered: 02/05/2018)
2018-03-0520MOTION for Reconsideration re 19 Memorandum & Opinion, 18 Order on Motion for Summary Judgment,,, by JUDICIAL WATCH, INC. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3, # 4 Text of Proposed Order)(Peterson, James) (Entered: 03/05/2018)
2018-03-1921RESPONSE re 20 MOTION for Reconsideration re 19 Memorandum & Opinion, 18 Order on Motion for Summary Judgment,,, filed by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Bickford, James) (Entered: 03/19/2018)
2018-03-26MINUTE ORDER: In light of events occurring after the Court granted the government summary judgment, the government has withdrawn its blanket Glomar response in this FOIA case. Accordingly, the Court will vacate its prior memorandum opinion and order granting summary judgment to the government. The parties are directed to file a joint status report by April 26, 2018 proposing a schedule for production and, if necessary, briefing in this case. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 3/26/2018. (lccrc2) (Entered: 03/26/2018)
2018-04-2622Joint STATUS REPORT by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Bickford, James) (Entered: 04/26/2018)
2018-04-26MINUTE ORDER: In light of 22 the parties' joint status report, the parties are directed to file a further status report by May 25, 2018 updating the Court on the status of Defendant's search and proposing a schedule for production. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 4/26/2018. (lccrc2) (Entered: 04/26/2018)
2018-04-27Set/Reset Deadlines: Further Status Report due by 5/25/2018 (lsj) (Entered: 04/27/2018)
2018-05-2523Joint STATUS REPORT by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Bickford, James) (Entered: 05/25/2018)
2018-05-29MINUTE ORDER: In light of 23 the parties' joint status report, it is hereby ordered that Defendant shall complete production of non-exempt, responsive records by August 3, 2018. It is further ordered that the parties shall file a joint status report by August 10, 2018 updating the Court on the status of production and, if necessary, proposing a briefing schedule. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 5/29/2018. (lccrc2) (Entered: 05/29/2018)
2018-05-29Set/Reset Deadlines: Responsive records due by 8/3/2018. Joint Status Report due by 8/10/2018. (lsj) (Entered: 05/29/2018)
2018-08-0324Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to Complete Production by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Bickford, James) (Entered: 08/03/2018)
2018-08-08MINUTE ORDER granting 24 Defendant's Motion for Extension of Time. Defendant shall now complete production by August 31, 2018. The parties shall file a joint status report updating the Court on the status of production and, if necessary, proposing a briefing schedule by September 14, 2018. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 8/8/2018. (lccrc2) (Entered: 08/08/2018)
2018-08-08Set/Reset Deadlines: Production due by 8/31/2018. Joint Status Report due by 9/14/2018 (lsj) (Entered: 08/08/2018)
2018-09-1425Joint STATUS REPORT by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Bickford, James) (Entered: 09/14/2018)
2018-09-14MINUTE ORDER: In light of the parties' 25 Joint Status Report on September 14, 2018, the parties are directed to file an additional status report on or before October 12, 2018, including a proposed briefing schedule, as warranted. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 9/14/2018. (lccrc2) (Entered: 09/14/2018)
2018-09-17Set/Reset Deadlines: Status Report including warranted proposed briefing schedule due by 10/12/2018 (lsj) (Entered: 09/17/2018)
2018-10-1226Joint STATUS REPORT by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Bickford, James) (Entered: 10/12/2018)
2018-10-15MINUTE ORDER: In light of the parties' 26 joint status report, the parties are directed to file an updated joint status report on or before October 19, 2018, to include a proposed briefing schedule. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 10/15/2018. (lccrc2) (Entered: 10/15/2018)
2018-10-15Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 10/19/2018 (lsj) (Entered: 10/15/2018)
2018-10-1927PROPOSED BRIEFING SCHEDULE (Filed Jointly) by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Bickford, James) (Entered: 10/19/2018)
2018-10-1928Joint STATUS REPORT by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (See docket entry no. 27 to view.) (ztd) (Entered: 10/22/2018)
2018-10-22MINUTE ORDER: In light of the parties' proposed briefing schedule, the following briefing schedule shall apply: Defendant's motion for summary judgment is due on or before January 18, 2019; plaintiff's combined cross-motion for summary judgment and opposition is due on or before February 22, 2019; defendant's combined opposition and reply is due on or before March 22, 2019; and plaintiff's reply is due on or before April 19, 2019. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 10/22/2018. (lccrc2) (Entered: 10/22/2018)
2018-10-23Set/Reset Deadlines: Summary Judgment motions due by 1/18/2019. Response to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 2/22/2019. Reply to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 3/22/2019. Replies due by 4/19/2019. (lsj) (Entered: 10/23/2018)
2018-12-2629Unopposed MOTION to Stay Summary Judgment Briefing by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Bickford, James) (Entered: 12/26/2018)
2018-12-27MINUTE ORDER granting 29 Defendant's Motion to Stay the Summary Judgment Briefing Schedule. All deadlines shall be stayed pending renewed funding. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 12/27/2018. (lccrc2) (Entered: 12/27/2018)
2019-01-2830NOTICE of Restoration of Appropriations by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (Bickford, James) (Entered: 01/28/2019)
2019-02-01MINUTE ORDER: In light of 30 Notice of Restoration of Appropriations, the parties shall file a joint status report on or before February 4, 2019, which shall include a proposed schedule for future proceedings. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 2/1/2019. (lccrc2) (Entered: 02/01/2019)
2019-02-0131Joint STATUS REPORT and Proposed Briefing Schedule by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Bickford, James) (Entered: 02/01/2019)
2019-02-02MINUTE ORDER: In light of the parties' 31 joint status report and proposed briefing schedule, the following briefing schedule shall apply: Defendant's motion for summary judgment is due on or before March 8, 2019; Plaintiff's cross-motion and opposition is due on or before April 12, 2019; Defendant's opposition and reply is due on or before May 17, 2019; and Plaintiff's reply is due on or before June 6, 2019. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 2/2/2019. (lccrc2) (Entered: 02/02/2019)
2019-02-02Set/Reset Deadlines: Summary Judgment motions due by 3/8/2019. Response to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 4/12/2019. Reply to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 5/17/2019. Replies due by 6/6/2019. (znbn) (Entered: 02/04/2019)
2019-03-0532Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Summary Judgment Motion by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Bickford, James) (Entered: 03/05/2019)
2019-03-07MINUTE ORDER granting 32 Defendant's Consent Motion for Extension of Time to File Motion for Summary Judgment. The following briefing schedule shall now apply: Defendant's initial brief is due on or before March 15, 2019; Plaintiff's combined opposition and cross-motion is due on or before April 19, 2019; Defendant's combined reply and opposition is due on or before May 24, 2019; and the Plaintiff's reply is due on or before June 13, 2019. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 3/5/2019. (lccrc2) (Entered: 03/07/2019)
2019-03-08Set/Reset Deadlines: Summary Judgment motions due by 3/15/2019. Response to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 4/19/2019. Reply to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 5/24/2019. Replies due by 6/13/2019. (lsj) (Entered: 03/08/2019)
2019-03-1533MOTION for Summary Judgment by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Statement of Facts, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Bickford, James) (Entered: 03/15/2019)
2019-03-1534Vaughn Index (Second Declaration) from David M. Hardy. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C)(Bickford, James) (Entered: 03/15/2019)
2019-04-1835Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File , MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 33 MOTION for Summary Judgment by JUDICIAL WATCH, INC. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Peterson, James) (Entered: 04/18/2019)
2019-04-19MINUTE ORDER granting 35 Plaintiff's Consent Motion for Extension of Time to File. The following briefing deadlines shall apply: Plaintiff's opposition and cross-motion will be due on or before May 3, 2019; Defendants' reply and opposition will be due on or before June 5, 2019; and Plaintiff's reply will be due on or before June 19, 2019. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 4/19/2019. (lccrc2) (Entered: 04/19/2019)
2019-04-19Set/Reset Deadlines: Opposition and Cross Motions due by 5/3/2019. Response to Cross Motions due by 6/5/2019. Reply to Cross Motions due by 6/19/2019. (znbn) (Entered: 04/22/2019)
2019-05-0236Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Opposition , Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 33 MOTION for Summary Judgment by JUDICIAL WATCH, INC. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Peterson, James) (Entered: 05/02/2019)
2019-05-07MINUTE ORDER granting 36 Plaintiff's Consent Motion for Extension of Time to File its opposition and any cross-motion for summary judgment. The following briefing deadlines shall now apply: Plaintiff's opposition and any cross-motion is due by May 10, 2019; Defendant's reply and opposition to any cross-motion is due by June 14, 2019; and Plaintiff's reply is due by June 26, 2019. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 5/7/2019. (lccrc2) (Entered: 05/07/2019)
2019-05-07Set/Reset Deadlines: Response to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 5/10/2019. Cross Motions due by 5/10/2019. Reply to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 6/14/2019. Response to Cross Motions due by 6/14/2019. Reply to Cross Motions due by 6/26/2019. (znbn) (Entered: 05/07/2019)
2019-05-1037Memorandum in opposition to re 33 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by JUDICIAL WATCH, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Peterson, James) (Entered: 05/10/2019)
2019-05-1038Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment by JUDICIAL WATCH, INC. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Peterson, James) (Entered: 05/10/2019)
2019-06-1439Memorandum in opposition to re 38 Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Michael G. Seidel)(Bickford, James) (Entered: 06/14/2019)
2019-06-1440REPLY to opposition to motion re 33 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Michael G. Seidel)(Bickford, James) (Entered: 06/14/2019)
2019-06-2641REPLY to opposition to motion re 38 Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by JUDICIAL WATCH, INC.. (Peterson, James) (Entered: 06/26/2019)
2019-08-1642ORDER denying 33 Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment and granting 38 Plaintiff's Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment. A Memorandum Opinion accompanies this Order. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 8/16/2019. (lccrc2) (Entered: 08/16/2019)
2019-08-1643MEMORANDUM OPINION re 42 Order denying Defendant's motion for summary judgment and granting Plaintiff's cross-motion for summary judgment. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 8/16/2019. (lccrc2) (Entered: 08/16/2019)
2019-08-19Set/Reset Deadlines: Status Report due by 10/15/2019 (lsj) (Entered: 08/19/2019)
2019-10-1544Joint STATUS REPORT by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Bickford, James) (Entered: 10/15/2019)
2019-10-23MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of the parties' 44 Joint Status Report, it is hereby ORDERED that cases 19-cv-572 and 17-cv-916 are CONSOLIDATED pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 42(a). All future filings in these cases shall be made on the docket of case 17-cv-916. The parties are further ORDERED to file a joint status report proposing a summary judgment briefing schedule, if necessary, by December 6, 2019. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 10/23/19. (lccrc1) (Entered: 10/23/2019)
2019-12-0645Joint STATUS REPORT by JUDICIAL WATCH, INC.. (Peterson, James) (Entered: 12/06/2019)
2019-12-12MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of the parties' 45 Joint Status Report, it is hereby ORDERED that the parties shall file a further joint status report by December 20, 2019. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 12/12/19. Associated Cases: 1:17-cv-00916-CRC, 1:19-cv-00572-CRC. (lccrc1) (Entered: 12/12/2019)
2019-12-13Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 12/20/2019 (lsj) (Entered: 12/13/2019)
2019-12-2046Joint STATUS REPORT by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Bickford, James) (Entered: 12/20/2019)
2019-12-24MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of the parties' 46 Joint Status Report, it is hereby ORDERED that the parties shall file a further joint status report by January 24, 2020. It is further ORDERED that the parties appear for a telephonic status conference on January 27, 2020 at 2:00PM. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 12/24/19. (lccrc1) (Entered: 12/24/2019)
2019-12-26Set/Reset Deadlines/Hearings: Joint Status Report due by 1/24/2020. Telephone Conference set for 1/27/2020 at 2:00 PM before Judge Christopher R. Cooper. (lsj) (Entered: 12/26/2019)
2020-01-2447Joint STATUS REPORT by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Bickford, James) (Entered: 01/24/2020)
2020-01-24MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of the parties' 47 Joint Status Report, the teleconference scheduled for January 27, 2020 at 2:00PM is VACATED. It is further ORDERED that the parties shall file a further joint status report by February 7, 2020, including a prompt schedule for summary judgment briefing. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 1/24/2020. (lccrc1) (Entered: 01/24/2020)
2020-02-0748Joint STATUS REPORT by JUDICIAL WATCH, INC.. Associated Cases: 1:17-cv-00916-CRC, 1:19-cv-00572-CRC(Peterson, James) (Entered: 02/07/2020)
2020-02-10MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of the parties' 48 Joint Status Report, it is hereby ORDERED that the parties shall file a further joint status report by March 5, 2020. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 2/10/2020. Associated Cases: 1:17-cv-00916-CRC, 1:19-cv-00572-CRC (lccrc1). (Entered: 02/10/2020)
2020-02-11Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 3/5/2020 (lsj) (Entered: 02/11/2020)
2020-03-0549Joint STATUS REPORT by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Bickford, James) (Entered: 03/05/2020)
2020-03-10MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of the parties' 49 Joint Status Report, it is hereby ORDERED that the parties shall file a further joint status report by April 3, 2020. If the parties have not reached an agreement on attorneys' fees by that time, the report shall include a proposed briefing schedule on that issue commencing within 30 days. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 3/10/2020. Associated Cases: 1:17-cv-00916-CRC, 1:19-cv-00572-CRC (lccrc1) (Entered: 03/10/2020)
2020-03-10Set/Reset Deadlines: Status Report due by 4/3/2020 Associated Cases: 1:17-cv-00916-CRC, 1:19-cv-00572-CRC(nbn) (Entered: 03/11/2020)
2020-04-0350Joint STATUS REPORT by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Bickford, James) (Entered: 04/03/2020)
2020-04-06MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of the parties' 50 Joint Status Report, the Court orders that, in the event that the parties are unable to resolve the matter between themselves, briefing for Plaintiff's motion for attorneys' fees shall proceed as follows: Plaintiff's Motion for Fees shall be filed on May 1, 2020; Defendant's Opposition shall be filed on May 22, 2020; and Plaintiff's Reply shall be filed by June 5, 2020. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 4/6/2020. Associated Cases: 1:17-cv-00916-CRC, 1:19-cv-00572-CRC. (lccrc1) (Entered: 04/06/2020)
2020-04-3051Joint MOTION to Vacate Order,, on Briefing Schedule for Attorney Fee Issue by JUDICIAL WATCH, INC. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Peterson, James) (Entered: 04/30/2020)
2020-04-30MINUTE ORDER granting (51) Motion to Vacate: Having considered 51 Plaintiff's joint motion to vacate briefing schedule on the issue ofattorneys fees in this case, the briefing schedule is VACATED and the parties are ORDERED to file a joint status report on or before June 1, 2020, if the parties have not stipulated to the dismissal of the case by then. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 4/30/20. Associated Cases: 1:17-cv-00916-CRC, 1:19-cv-00572-CRC. (lccrc1) (Entered: 04/30/2020)
2020-06-0152Joint STATUS REPORT by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Bickford, James) (Entered: 06/01/2020)
2020-06-03MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of the parties' 52 Joint Status Report, the Court ORDERS the parties to file a further status report by June 15, 2020, if they have not stipulated to the dismissal of this case by then. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 6/3/20. Associated Cases: 1:17-cv-00916-CRC, 1:19-cv-00572-CRC(lccrc1) (Entered: 06/03/2020)
2020-06-03Set/Reset Deadlines: Status Report due by 6/15/2020 Associated Cases: 1:17-cv-00916-CRC, 1:19-cv-00572-CRC(lsj) (Entered: 06/03/2020)
2020-06-1553Joint STATUS REPORT by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Bickford, James) (Entered: 06/15/2020)
2020-06-16NOTICE OF ERROR re 53 Status Report; emailed to james.bickford@usdoj.gov, cc'd 2 associated attorneys -- The PDF file you docketed contained errors: 1. Counsel will need to file this in the other case listed on document as well. (ztd, ) (Entered: 06/16/2020)
2020-06-17MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of the parties' 53 Joint Status Report, the Court ORDERS the parties to file a further status report by June 26, 2020, if they have not stipulated to the dismissal of this case by then. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 6/17/20. Associated Cases: 1:17-cv-00916-CRC, 1:19-cv-00572-CRC(lccrc1) (Entered: 06/17/2020)
2020-06-18Set/Reset Deadlines: Status Report due by 6/26/2020 (Associated Cases: 1:17-cv-00916-CRC and 1:19-cv-00572-CRC)(lsj) (Entered: 06/18/2020)
2020-06-2654Joint STATUS REPORT by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. Associated Cases: 1:17-cv-00916-CRC, 1:19-cv-00572-CRC(Bickford, James) (Entered: 06/26/2020)
2020-06-29MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of the parties' 54 Joint Status Report, the Court ORDERS the parties to file a further status report by July 10, 2020, if they have not stipulated to the dismissal of this case by then. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 6/29/20. Associated Cases: 1:17-cv-00916-CRC, 1:19-cv-00572-CRC(lccrc1) (Entered: 06/29/2020)
2020-06-29Set/Reset Deadlines: Status Report due by 7/10/2020 (Associated Cases: 1:17-cv-00916-CRC and 1:19-cv-00572-CRC)(lsj) (Entered: 06/29/2020)
2020-07-1055Joint STATUS REPORT by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. Associated Cases: 1:17-cv-00916-CRC, 1:19-cv-00572-CRC(Bickford, James) (Entered: 07/10/2020)
2020-07-14MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of the parties' 55 Joint Status Report, the Court ORDERS the parties to file a further status report by August 10, 2020, if they have not stipulated to the dismissal of this case by then. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 7/14/20. Associated Cases: 1:17-cv-00916-CRC, 1:19-cv-00572-CRC(lccrc1) (Entered: 07/14/2020)
2020-07-14Set/Reset Deadlines: Status Report due by 8/10/2020 Associated Cases: 1:17-cv-00916-CRC and 1:19-cv-00572-CRC (lsj) (Entered: 07/14/2020)
2020-08-1056Joint STATUS REPORT by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. Associated Cases: 1:17-cv-00916-CRC, 1:19-cv-00572-CRC(Bickford, James) (Entered: 08/10/2020)
2020-08-12MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of the parties' 56 Joint Status Report, the Court ORDERS the parties to file a further status report by August 21, 2020, if they have not stipulated to the dismissal of this case by then. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 8/12/20. Associated Cases: 1:17-cv-00916-CRC, 1:19-cv-00572-CRC(lccrc1) (Entered: 08/12/2020)
2020-08-12Set/Reset Deadlines: Status Report due by 8/21/2020 Associated Cases: 1:17-cv-00916-CRC and 1:19-cv-00572-CRC(lsj) (Entered: 08/12/2020)
2020-08-2157STIPULATION of Dismissal by JUDICIAL WATCH, INC.. (Peterson, James) (Entered: 08/21/2020)
2020-08-21MINUTE ORDER: In light of the parties' 57 stipulation of dismissal, these cases are hereby DISMISSED with prejudice. Signed by Judge Christopher R. Cooper on 8/21/20. Associated Cases: 1:17-cv-00916-CRC, 1:19-cv-00572-CRC(lccrc1) (Entered: 08/21/2020)
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