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Case TitleThe University of Washington et al v. Department of Defense et al
DistrictWestern District of Washington
CitySeattle
Case Number2:2017cv01854
Date Filed2017-12-11
Date Closed2021-01-26
JudgeJudge Marsha J. Pechman
PlaintiffThe University of Washington a Washington state agency
PlaintiffThe Center for Human Rights at The University of Washington a research center created by state law
PlaintiffAngelina Godoy Director of the Center
Case DescriptionThe Center for Human Rights at the University of Washington submitted FOIA requests to the Department of Defense, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and U.S. Southern Command for records concerning the 1981 alleged massacre in El Mozote, El Salvador, including records pertaining to various named individuals. The agencies acknowledged receipt of the requests, but after hearing nothing further from the agencies, the Center for Human Rights at the University of Washington filed suit.
Complaint issues: Litigation - Attorney's fees, Failure to respond within statutory time limit

DefendantDepartment of Defense
DefendantDefense Intelligence Agency
DefendantUnited States Southern Command
Documents
Docket
Complaint
Complaint attachment 1
Complaint attachment 2
Complaint attachment 3
Complaint attachment 4
Complaint attachment 5
Complaint attachment 6
Opinion/Order [12]
Opinion/Order [16]
Opinion/Order [18]
Opinion/Order [22]
Opinion/Order [27]
Opinion/Order [44]
Opinion/Order [52]
Opinion/Order [58]
Opinion/Order [62]
Opinion/Order [64]
Opinion/Order [66]
Opinion/Order [69]
Opinion/Order [71]
User-contributed Documents
 
Docket Events (Hide)
Date FiledDoc #Docket Text

2017-12-111COMPLAINT for Declaratory Relief for Violating FOIA against All Defendants (Receipt # 0981-5124269) Attorney Jordan Clark added to party Angelina Godoy(pty:pla), Attorney Jordan Clark added to party The Center for Human Rights at The University of Washington(pty:pla), Attorney Jordan Clark added to party The University of Washington(pty:pla), filed by The University of Washington, Angelina Godoy, The Center for Human Rights at The University of Washington. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Summons, # 3 Summons, # 4 Summons, # 5 Summons, # 6 Summons)(Clark, Jordan) (Entered: 12/11/2017)
2017-12-12Judge Marsha J. Pechman added. (DJ) (Entered: 12/12/2017)
2017-12-12NOTICE: Pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P 7.1, Plaintiff(s) The University of Washington, The Center for Human Rights at The University of Washington must file a Corporate Disclosure Statement by 12/19/2017. (DJ) (Entered: 12/12/2017)
2017-12-12NOTICE to Filer: SUMMONS FORM INCOMPLETE - ATTORNEY ADDRESS BLOCK LEFT BLANK : Summons(es) cannot be issued because there is no address listed in the block for counsel. Please post your corrected summons(es) using the event "Praecipe for a Summons" found under "Other Documents." All summons(es) should be posted under this one event. Thank you. (DJ) (Entered: 12/12/2017)
2017-12-132PRAECIPE TO ISSUE SUMMONS by Plaintiffs Angelina Godoy, The Center for Human Rights at The University of Washington, The University of Washington (Attachments: # 1 Summons, # 2 Summons, # 3 Summons, # 4 Summons, # 5 Summons)(Clark, Jordan) (Entered: 12/13/2017)
2017-12-143Summons Electronically Issued as to defendant(s) Department of Defense, (Attachments: # 1 Summons: Defense Intelligence Agency, # 2 United States Southern Command, # 3 Summons: U.S. Attonrey D.C., # 4 Summons: U.S. Attorney Seattle) (PM) (Entered: 12/14/2017)
2017-12-154APPLICATION OF ATTORNEY Thomas R. Bourke FOR LEAVE TO APPEAR PRO HAC VICE for Plaintiffs Angelina Godoy, The Center for Human Rights at The University of Washington, The University of Washington (Fee Paid) Receipt No. 0981-5131075 (Clark, Jordan) (Entered: 12/15/2017)
2017-12-155CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT Filed pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P 7.1. Filed by Angelina Godoy, The Center for Human Rights at The University of Washington, The University of Washington (Clark, Jordan) (Entered: 12/15/2017)
2017-12-186ORDER re 4 Application for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. The Court ADMITS Attorney Thomas R Burke for Plaintiffs Angelina Godoy, The Center for Human Rights at The University of Washington, and The University of Washington, by Clerk William M McCool. No document associated with this docket entry, text only. NOTE TO COUNSEL: Local counsel agrees to sign all filings and to be prepared to handle the matter, including the trial thereof, in the event the applicant is unable to be present on any date scheduled by the court, pursuant to LCR 83.1(d). (DS) (Entered: 12/18/2017)
2018-01-097DECLARATION of Service re 1 Complaint,, 3 Summons Issued, by Plaintiffs Angelina Godoy, The Center for Human Rights at The University of Washington, The University of Washington (Clark, Jordan) (Entered: 01/09/2018)
2018-01-168ORDER REGARDING INITIAL DISCLOSURES AND JOINT STATUS REPORT Joint Status Report due by 2/27/2018, FRCP 26f Conference Deadline is 2/13/2018, Initial Disclosure Deadline is 2/20/2018, by Judge Marsha J. Pechman. (RM) (Entered: 01/16/2018)
2018-01-189NOTICE of Appearance by attorney Michelle R. Lambert on behalf of Defendants Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, United States Southern Command. (Lambert, Michelle) (Entered: 01/18/2018)
2018-01-1810ANSWER to 1 Complaint,, by Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, United States Southern Command.(Lambert, Michelle) (Entered: 01/18/2018)
2018-02-0811Stipulated MOTION for Relief of 26(f) Conference Initial Disclosures and Joint Status Report , filed by Plaintiffs Angelina Godoy, The Center for Human Rights at The University of Washington, The University of Washington. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) Noting Date 2/8/2018, (Clark, Jordan) (Entered: 02/08/2018)
2018-02-1412ORDER granting 11 Stipulated Motion for Relief of 26(f) Conference, Initial Disclosures and Joint Status Report. Parties to file a joint report by 3/16/2018. Signed by Judge Marsha J. Pechman. (PM) (Entered: 02/14/2018)
2018-03-1613JOINT STATUS REPORT by Defendants Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, United States Southern Command (Lambert, Michelle) Modified on 3/19/2018: edited text to indicate this is a joint status report (PM). (Entered: 03/16/2018)
2018-03-2014MINUTE ORDER : After review of the joint status report filed on 3/16/2018, the Court directs the parties to file their next updated status report no later than 6/13/2018. Authorized by Judge Marsha J. Pechman. (RM) (Entered: 03/20/2018)
2018-06-1315STATUS REPORT (Joint by parties) by Defendant Department of Defense (Lambert, Michelle) (Entered: 06/13/2018)
2018-06-1416MINUTE ORDER granting parties' 15 Request for a further continuance of their discovery schedule. Status Report due by 7/26/2018. Authorized by Judge Marsha J. Pechman. (PM) (Entered: 06/14/2018)
2018-07-2617STATUS REPORT by Defendants Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, United States Southern Command (Lambert, Michelle) (Entered: 07/26/2018)
2018-07-3018MINUTE ORDER granting parties' 17 Request for a further continuance of their discovery schedule. Status Report due by 9/10/2018. Authorized by Judge Marsha J. Pechman. (PM) (Entered: 07/30/2018)
2018-09-1019JOINT STATUS REPORT signed by all parties (Clark, Jordan) (Entered: 09/10/2018)
2018-09-1120MINUTE ORDER granting request for a further continuance of their discovery schedule. Status Report due by 10/25/2018. Authorized by Judge Marsha J. Pechman. (RM) (Entered: 09/11/2018)
2018-10-2521JOINT STATUS REPORT signed by all parties estimated Trial Days: 1. (Clark, Jordan) (Entered: 10/25/2018)
2018-10-3122MINUTE ORDER granting parties' request for furtherance of discovery schedule; Joint Status Report due by 12/10/2018. Authorized by Judge Marsha J. Pechman. (SWT) (Entered: 10/31/2018)
2018-11-2923NOTICE of Change of Address/Change of Name of Attorney Jordan Clark. Filed by Plaintiffs Angelina Godoy, The Center for Human Rights at The University of Washington, The University of Washington. (Clark, Jordan) Modified firm address on 11/29/2018 (DS). (Entered: 11/29/2018)
2018-12-1024JOINT STATUS REPORT signed by all parties estimated Trial Days: 5. (Clark, Jordan) (Entered: 12/10/2018)
2018-12-1125MINUTE ORDER: At the parties' request, the deadline to file a Joint Status Report is continued to 1/23/2019. Authorized by Judge Marsha J. Pechman. (LW) (Entered: 12/11/2018)
2019-01-0826Unopposed MOTION to Stay Deadlines , filed by Defendants Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, United States Southern Command. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) Noting Date 1/8/2019, (Lambert, Michelle) (Entered: 01/08/2019)
2019-01-1727ORDER granting the United States' 26 Motion for a Stay of Deadlines in Light of Lapse of Appropriations. All pending deadlines for the above- captioned case are hereby STAYED and are hereby EXTENDED commensurate with the duration of the lapse in appropriations. Signed by Judge Marsha J. Pechman. (PM) (Entered: 01/17/2019)
2019-01-2828NOTICE of Appropriations Rec'd and Proposed Order re resetting dates ; filed by Defendants Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, United States Southern Command. (Lambert, Michelle) (Entered: 01/28/2019)
2019-01-2929ORDER RESETTING DEADLINE re Defendants' 28 Notice of Appropriations Received. Joint Status Report due by 3/14/2019. Signed by Judge Marsha J. Pechman. (LW) (Entered: 01/29/2019)
2019-03-1430JOINT STATUS REPORT signed by all parties estimated Trial Days: 1-7. (Clark, Jordan) (Entered: 03/14/2019)
2019-03-1931NOTICE of Hearing: Case Management Conference set for 4/2/2019 at 03:00 PM in Courtroom 14206 before Judge Marsha J. Pechman.(RM) (Entered: 03/19/2019)
2019-04-0132DECLARATION in Support of Plaintiffs' Request for Case Management Conference of Angelina Snodgrass Godoy by Plaintiffs Angelina Godoy, The Center for Human Rights at The University of Washington, The University of Washington (Clark, Jordan) (Entered: 04/01/2019)
2019-04-0233DECLARATION in response to Dkt 32 Snodgrass Decl of Londono by Defendants Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, United States Southern Command (Lambert, Michelle) Modified on 4/3/2019 to add link to Declaration (PM). (Entered: 04/02/2019)
2019-04-0235MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before Judge Marsha J. Pechman- Dep Clerk: Rhonda Miller ; Pla Counsel: Thomas Burke, Jordan Clark ; Def Counsel: Michelle Lambert ; CR: Nicki Drury ; Case Management Conference held on 4/2/2019. The Court directs the parties to file a proposed stipulation and order regarding the deadlines set for production of documents as orally stated on the record. (RM) (Entered: 04/05/2019)
2019-04-0534STIPULATION AND PROPOSED ORDER by parties (Clark, Jordan) (Entered: 04/05/2019)
2019-04-0936STIPULATION AND ORDER re parties' 34 stipulation for review and production of documents, pursuant to case management conference held on 4/2/2019. Signed by Judge Marsha J. Pechman. (LW) (Entered: 04/09/2019)
2019-05-0937MOTION to Compel , filed by Plaintiffs Angelina Godoy, The Center for Human Rights at The University of Washington, The University of Washington. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) Noting Date 5/31/2019, (Clark, Jordan) (Entered: 05/09/2019)
2019-05-0938DECLARATION of Thomas Burke filed by Plaintiffs Angelina Godoy, The Center for Human Rights at The University of Washington, The University of Washington re 37 MOTION to Compel (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E, # 6 Exhibit F)(Clark, Jordan) (Entered: 05/09/2019)
2019-05-2939RESPONSE, by Defendants Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, United States Southern Command, to 37 MOTION to Compel . (Lambert, Michelle) (Entered: 05/29/2019)
2019-05-2940DECLARATION of Londono filed by Defendants Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, United States Southern Command re 37 MOTION to Compel (Lambert, Michelle) (Entered: 05/29/2019)
2019-05-2941Supplemental DECLARATION of Londono filed by Defendants Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, United States Southern Command re 37 MOTION to Compel (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Lambert, Michelle) (Entered: 05/29/2019)
2019-05-2942PRAECIPE re 41 Declaration to correct exhibit format by Defendants Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, United States Southern Command (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Lambert, Michelle) (Entered: 05/29/2019)
2019-05-3143REPLY, filed by Plaintiffs Angelina Godoy, The Center for Human Rights at The University of Washington, The University of Washington, TO RESPONSE to 37 MOTION to Compel (Burke, Thomas) (Entered: 05/31/2019)
2019-06-0744ORDER granting Plaintiffs' 37 Motion to Compel. Signed by Judge Marsha J. Pechman. (PM) (Entered: 06/07/2019)
2019-06-2745MINUTE ORDER directing parties to file a joint status report no later than July 10, 2019 , indicating whether any issues remain outstanding in this matter and (1) if so, a timetable for their resolution and (2) if not, a timetable for concluding the case in a prompt fashion. Authorized by Judge Marsha J. Pechman. (PM) (Entered: 06/27/2019)
2019-07-0546STATUS REPORT by Defendants Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, United States Southern Command (Lambert, Michelle) (Entered: 07/05/2019)
2019-07-0547DECLARATION of Londono re 46 Status Report by Defendants Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, United States Southern Command (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Lambert, Michelle) (Entered: 07/05/2019)
2019-07-0548PRAECIPE re 47 Declaration (non motion) by Defendants Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, United States Southern Command (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Lambert, Michelle) (Entered: 07/05/2019)
2019-07-1049JOINT STATUS REPORT signed by all parties estimated Trial Days: 1. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Clark, Jordan) (Entered: 07/10/2019)
2019-07-1250MINUTE ORDER: The parties shall file an updated Joint Status Report by 8/1/2019. Authorized by Judge Marsha J. Pechman. (RM) (Entered: 07/12/2019)
2019-08-0151JOINT STATUS REPORT signed by all parties estimated Trial Days: 1. (Clark, Jordan) (Entered: 08/01/2019)
2019-08-0252MINUTE ORDER granting parties' request for the submission of an additional Joint Status Report by no later than 9/13/2019. Authorized by Judge Marsha J. Pechman. (SWT) (Entered: 08/02/2019)
2019-09-1353JOINT STATUS REPORT signed by all parties estimated Trial Days: 1. (Clark, Jordan) (Entered: 09/13/2019)
2019-09-1654MINUTE ORDER granting parties' request for the submission of an additional Joint Status Report no later than 10/15/2019. Authorized by Judge Marsha J. Pechman.(RM) Modified on 9/17/2019 to correct typo(MET). (Entered: 09/16/2019)
2019-10-1555Joint STATUS REPORT by Defendants Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, United States Southern Command (Lambert, Michelle) (Entered: 10/15/2019)
2019-10-1856MINUTE ORDER granting parties' request for the submission of an additional Joint Status Report no later than 12/16/2019. Authorized by Judge Marsha J. Pechman. (RM) (Entered: 10/18/2019)
2019-12-1657JOINT STATUS REPORT signed by all parties. Estimated Trial Days: 1. (Clark, Jordan) (Entered: 12/16/2019)
2019-12-1758ORDER granting a continuance until January 30, 2020 to file a stipulated dismissal with prejudice or submit a briefing schedule re: Parties' 57 Joint Status Report. Signed by Judge Marsha J. Pechman. (PM) (Entered: 12/17/2019)
2020-01-3059JOINT STATUS REPORT signed by all parties. Estimated Trial Days: 1. (Clark, Jordan) (Entered: 01/30/2020)
2020-03-3060JOINT STATUS REPORT signed by all parties. Estimated Trial Days: 1. (Clark, Jordan) (Entered: 03/30/2020)
2020-03-3161MINUTE ORDER re: Parties' 60 Joint Status Report. The Court GRANTS the request for continuance and orders the filing of another Joint Status Report, due by (1) the completion of the DIA review of the remaining 25 documents or (2) July 1, 2020, whichever first occurs. Authorized by Judge Marsha J. Pechman. (PM) (Entered: 03/31/2020)
2020-07-0262ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE re failure to file joint status report by 7/1/2020. Show Cause Response due by 7/17/2020. Signed by Judge Marsha J. Pechman. (PM) (Entered: 07/02/2020)
2020-07-0663JOINT STATUS REPORT signed by all parties. Estimated Trial Days: 1. (Clark, Jordan) (Entered: 07/06/2020)
2020-07-0764MINUTE ORDER re 63 Joint Status Report. IT IS ORDERED that the matter is continued, and the parties will provide the Court with an updated status report upon (1) completion of the DIA review of the remaining documents, or (2) October 7, 2020, whichever first occurs. Authorized by Judge Marsha J. Pechman. (LH) (Entered: 07/07/2020)
2020-10-0765JOINT STATUS REPORT signed by all parties. Estimated Trial Days: 0. (Lambert, Michelle) (Entered: 10/07/2020)
2020-10-0766MINUTE ORDER re Parties' 65 Joint Status Report. IT IS ORDERED that the matter is continued, and the parties will provide the Court with an updated status report upon (1) completion of the DIA review of the remaining documents, or (2) December 7, 2020, whichever first occurs. Authorized by Judge Marsha J. Pechman. (TH) (Entered: 10/07/2020)
2020-12-0767JOINT STATUS REPORT signed by all parties. Estimated Trial Days: 0. (Lambert, Michelle) (Entered: 12/07/2020)
2021-01-1568Joint STATUS REPORT by Defendants Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, United States Southern Command (Lambert, Michelle) (Entered: 01/15/2021)
2021-01-1969MINUTE ORDER 68 Status Report. Joint Status Report due by 2/15/2021. It is ORDERED that, by no later than February 15, 2021, the Parties shall provide the Court with a stipulated notice of dismissal with prejudice, or, if settlement is not reached, with a joint status report setting out a proposed schedule for the remaining issues to be determined by the Court. Authorized by Judge Marsha J. Pechman. (PM) (Entered: 01/19/2021)
2021-01-2170STIPULATION AND PROPOSED ORDER for Dismissal by parties (Attachments: # 1 Settlement Agreement) (Clark, Jordan) Modified on 1/21/2021 to strike document 70-1 - document was filed in error; please disregard. Document administratively sealed at request of filer (KB). (Entered: 01/21/2021)
2021-01-21NOTICE of Docket Text Modification re 70 Stipulation: Modified on 1/21/2021 to strike document 70-1 - document was filed in error. Document administratively sealed at request of filer. (KB) (Entered: 01/21/2021)
2021-01-2671STIPULATED ORDER FOR DISMISSAL re Parties' 70 Stipulation: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the Parties' Stipulation and Order for Dismissal is GRANTED for the reasons set forth in the Stipulation. Signed by Judge Marsha J. Pechman. (LH) (Entered: 01/26/2021)
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