Compilation of Memoranda and Opinions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CRIMINAL LAW & PROCEDURE

MANSLAUGHTER

103 D.W.L.R. 917 (May 27,1975)

 

 

Indictment which charges voluntary  manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter is duplicitous and government must elect which offense it chooses to prosecute .

 

UNITED STATES v. AUSTIN, Super. Ct. D.C., Crim. No. 13657-75,  April29, 1975. Opinion per Burka,J.   [Counsel not given  in published opinion].

 

 

 

 

 

CONSTITUTIONAL LAW

FIRST AMENDMENT

102 D.W.L.R. 1221 (June 17,1974)

 

 

Pregnant woman who requires Caesarian operation may refuse blood transfusion which wouldviolate her religious belief and right to privacy.

 

IN THE MAITER OF BENTLEY, ET AL., Super. Ct. D.C., Misc. No. 65-74, April25, 1974. Opinion per Burka, J.

[Counsel not given in published opinion].

 

 

 

 

JUVENILES

ABORTION

101D.W.L.R. 613 (Apr.3,1973)

 

 

Denial of abortion to juvenile solely because of her age would violate rights and benefits  under the

U.S.Constitution.

 

IN THE MATIER OF P.J., Super. Ct. D.C., Family Division, Docket No. 72-7150-J, February 6, 1973. Opinion per

Burka, J.   [Counsel not given in published opinion].

 

 

 

 

 

 

BURNETT, ARTHUR L.• SR.                                                                Associate Judge (1987-98)

 

 

 

PARENT AND CHILD

CUSTODY

125 D.W.L.R. 1809 (Sept.16,1997)

 

D.C. Superior Court lacks jurisdiction to decide custody of six-month-old child born in Florida and brought to D.C.for adoption where putative father has brought suit in a Florida court.

 

 

33

EX PARTE IN THE MATIER OF THE PETITION OF J.D.S. AND A.F.C. FOR ADOPTION OF A MINOR CHILD, D.C. Super. Ct. Adopt. No. A-65-97, March 20, 1997. Leslie Scherr for the Petitioners. Stephen  L. Bluestone for Mr. H.T. Opinion per Arth ur L. Burnett, J.

 

CONTRACTS

EXPULSION

125 D.W.L.R. 1801 (Sept.15,1997) 2

 

 

Medicalstudent who was expelled  did not receive the process  afforded him under the university handbook where he received notice of thespecific allegations less than ahalf hour before the hearing.

 

 

HOWARD UNIVERSITY v. BARTEE, D.C.Super.Ct. Civil Action No. 90-CA-12298, February 8, 1993. Opinion per

Arthur L. Burnett, Sr., J. Jeffrey D. Ford for the Plaintiff. Harley Daniels for the Defendant.

 

 

 

JURORS

POST-TRIAL QUESTIONING

125 D.W.L.R.1093 (June 5,1997)

 

 

Defendants  did not  show  good cause to use Juror  Panel Roster to unilaterally contact  jurors to discover any basis  for  new  trial motion but  denial is without  prejudice to counsel using own investigation resources to pursue contacts with former jurors.

 

UNITED STATES  v. FORD, ET AL., D.C. Crim. No. F-12661-93, F-12536-93 and F-03131-94, March 27, 1997. Opinion per Burnett,J. Steven J. McCool with Eric H. Holder, Jr. for the United States.Jonathan Stern for Defendant Mark Allen Ford. Richard Gilbert for Defendant Thadduse Lee Hartridge. Annie R. Alexander for Defendant James Thomas Cullison.

 

 

 

ATIORNEY FEES

DCHR/1

125 D.W.L.R. 433 (Mar.7, 1997)

 

 

 

Attorney fees under  District of Columbia Human Rights  Act awarded for obtaining jury verdict for compensatory and punitive damages for sex discrimination in the form of sexualharassment and retaliation.

 

DRAKE, ET AL. v. HENKELS & McCOY, INC., ET AL., Super. Ct. D.C., No. 91- CA-4366, November 18, 1996. Opinion per Burnett, J.  Bruce A. Fredrickson, Susan L. Bradshaw and Jonathan C. Puth for the Plaintiff Laurel M. Drake. NeilL. Henrichsen for the Plaintiff Samynesh T. Hadgu. D ‘Ana E. Johnson and Denise Ramsburg Stanley for the Defendants Henkels & McCoy, Inc. and Jeffrey D. Willis

 

 

 

ADMINISTRATIVE LAW

JURISDICTION

124 D.W.L.R.2089  (Oct.25, 1996)

 

 

Time for filing petition for review of decision of D.C.Office of Employee Appeals is jurisdictionaland late filed petitionmust be dismissed;alternatively,decision to terminate employee based on drug test supported termination.

 

DAVIS v. METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT,ET AL., Super. Ct. D.C., No. CA92-MPA-20, September 3,

1996.Opinion per Burnett, J.  James W Pressler Jr. for Petitioner. Michael F. Wasserman for Respondents.

 

 

 

 

 

2  The published headnote in this case correctly gives the date of Judge Burnett’s  issuance of this opinion as February

8, 1993.  lbe opinion, however, was not published until September 15, 1997.

 

 

34

   ..-

 

CRIMINAL LAW  & PROCEDURE

MIRANDA WARNING

124 D.W.L.R. 1860 (Oct. 20, 1996)

 

 

Foreign law enforcement officers are not required to comply literally with the requirements of Miranda

and statements made to them are admissible unless coerced or if officers are agents of U.S.officers.

 

UNITED STATES v. FISHER, Super. Ct. D.C., Crim.No. F-5241- 95, July 5, 1996.Opinion per Burnett,J. J.. Patrick

Rowan  for United States. Nathan I. Silver for Defendant.

 

 

 

 

CRIMINAL LAW & PROCEDURE

MALICE

124 D.W.L.R. 2021 (Oct.16,1996)

 

 

Defendant is permitted to introduce evidence going to his state of mind and subjective awareness of risk involved in death of child victim to rebut government evidence as to intent and awareness of risk.

 

UNITED STATES v. LINDSAY, Super. Ct. D.C., Crim. No. F-2372-92, December20, 1995. Opinion per Burnett, J. Mary  Jncontro with Eric H. Holder, Jr. for United States.  Daniel W. Quillen for Defendant.

 

 

 

 

DISTRICT  OF COLUMBIA

NEGLIGENCE – POLICE CHASE

124 D.W.L.R.1125,1474 (June 10,1996)

 

 

Evidence supported jury verdict against  District of Columbia of gross  negligence causing deaths arising from police chase;remittitur granted reducing $5,997.75 award.

 

HAWKINS  v. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ET AL., Super. Ct. D.C., No. 91-CA-15515 & 92-CA-2431, January  16,

  1. Opinion per Burnett, J. Patrick M. Regan, Jonathan E. Halperin and Marc Fiedler for the Plaintiffs. James A.

DeVita with George C. Valentine, Martin L. Grossman and Charles Ruff for the Defendant  District of Colurn bia.

 

 

 

 

CONSUMER PROTECTION

MERCHANT

124 D.W.L.R. 957 (May 16, 1996)

 

 

Non-profit educational institutional institution is not  “merchant” subject to District of  Columbia Consumer Protection Act; practice of transcendentalmeditation is a religion and trialof unfair trade practice,fraud and negligent misrepresentation,and intentionalinfliction of emotionaldistress claims would involve Court  in  excessive  entanglement in  religious beliefs  in contravention of  First Amendment.

 

HENDEL v. WORLD PLAN EXECUTIVE COUNCIL-UNITED STATES, ET AL., D.C. Super. Ct. Civil Action No.

89-CA-8791, January 2, 1996. Opinion per Burnett, J.  Gerald  E. Ragland, Jr. for the Plaintiff. Carter G. Phillips,

Mark D. Hopson, Nancy A. Temple and Dwight W. James for the Defendants.

 

 

 

CIVIL RIGHTS

EQUAL PAY

124 D.W.L.R. 49,57  (Jan.9, 1996)

 

 

35

Evidence did not support jury verdict of Equal Pay Act violation where men’s basketball coach had more duties,experience and knowledge than women’s basketball coach;motion for judgment n.o.v. granted in part in sex discrimination case;new trial granted on damages with remittitur.

 

TYLER v. HOWARD UNIVERSITY, ET AL., Super. Ct. D.C., Civil Action No. 91-CA- 11239 September 15, 1995. Opinion per Burnett, J. Robert L. Bell and Kevin D. Judd for the Plaintiff. Susan L. Riley with Harold E. Jordan and Rachel C. Evans for the Defendants.

 

 

 

DAMAGES

PUNITIVE DAMAGES

123 O.W.LR.2217,2225 (Nov.13-14,1995)

 

 

Punitive  damages against corporate defendant of twice the compensatory damages for injuries in sexual harassment  suit  is upheld  as proper  on motion for  judgment n.o.v.; costs  awarded  for depositions necessary  for trial preparation and $40 perwitness fees.

 

 

DRAKE, ET AL. v. HENKELS & McCOY INC., ET AL.,Super. Ct. D.C., No. 91-CA-4366, July 24, 1995. Opinion per Burnett,J. Bruce A. Fredrickson and Mary Ann Kelly for Plaintiff Laurel Drake.NeilL. Henrichsen and Karyl Terese Spriggs for Plaintiff  Samynesh  T. Hadgu.  D ‘Ana E. Johnson and George  B. Breen for the Defendants Henkels & McCoy, Inc. and Jeffrey D. Willis.

 

 

 

CRIMINAL LAW & PROCEDURE

SEVERANCE

123 O.W.L.R.2185 (Nov.7,1995)

 

 

Severance is granted in the interest of judicialeconomy and administration of offenses committed seven months  apart where trial would  14 counts, four  separate  defendants  encompassing three homicides.

 

UNITED STATES v. MILLER, ET AL., Super. Ct. D.C., Nos. F- 01212-94, F-01478-94, F-09885-94 & F- 10504-94, May 22, 1995. Opinion per Burnett, J.  Daniel Zachem for United States.  Jonathan L. Stern for Aaron Miller. Retna M  Pullings for Tyrone Briscoe. Gene R. Johnson for Maurice Proctor. Douglas J. Wood for Kenneth D. Adams.

 

 

 

CRIMINAL LAW &PROCEDURE

PRISON CELL SEARCH

123 D.W.L.R.1993  (Oct. 10,1995)

 

 

Court grants motion to suppress tangible evidence seized by executing search warrant at defendant’s prison cell where affidavit in support of search warrant  did not provide  underlying facts and only unsupported opinions and was legally insufficient and search warrant was overbroad.

 

UNITED STATESv. MONTGOMERY, Super. Ct. D.C., Crim. No. F2644-94, July 31, 1995. Opinion per Burnett, J.

Cathleen M. Corken with Eric H. Holder, Jr. for the United States.Blaise Supler and Janet C. Hoeffel for the Defendant.

 

 

 

CRIMINAL LAW & PROCEDURE

WITNESS

123 D.W.L.R.1685  (Aug.24,1995)

 

 

Government need not furnish defense with criminal records of witnesses before trialbut will satisfy its obligation by having records available to be furnished after witnesses are identified at voir dire.

 

UNITED STATES v. MONTGOMERY, Super. Ct. D.C., Crim. No. F-2644-94, June 14, 1995. Opinion per Burnett,

36
  1. Cathleen M Corken for United States. Blaise Supler, Janet Hoeffel and Abbe Jolles for Defendant.

 

CRIMINAL LAW & PROCEDURE

WITNESS IDENTITY

123 D.W.L.R.1673  (Aug.23,1995)

 

 

Defense counselhas right pre-trialto determine identity of witness to alleged crime so as to determine credibility and  strength of proposed  testimony; address need not be disclosed where safety  of witness is endangered.

 

 

UNITED STATES v.MONTGOMERY, Super. Ct. D.C., Crim. No. F- 2644-94, June 14, 1995. Opinion per Burnett, J. CathleenM Corken for United States. Blaise Supler and Janet Hoefle/ for the Defendant Michael Montgomery. Abbe Jolles for the Defendant Charles Brooks.

 

 

 

 

 

CRIMINAL LAW & PROCEDURE

SPEEDY TRIAL

123 D.W.L.R.1665  (Aug.22, 1995)

 

 

Court  denies  speedy trial motion based on claim that delay resulted in government filing  notice to have defendant imprisoned for life without parole.

 

UNITED  STATES v. MONTGOMERY, Super. Ct. D.C., Crim. No. F-2644-94, June 14, 1995. Opinion per Burnett, J. Cathleen M  Corken for United States.  Blaise Supler and Janet Hoefle! for Defendant Michael Montgomery. Abbe Jolles for Defendant  Charles Brooks.

 

 

 

 

 

PUBLIC HOUSING

PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT

123 D.W.L.R.1557  (Aug.7,1995)

 

 

Family Division,Neglect Branch Judge denies motion seeking order to obtain preferentialtreatment and access to public housing to reunify  family  unit.

 

IN THE MATTERS  OF O.P., ET AL., Super. Ct. D.C., Nos. N-725-90, N-726-90 & N-727-90, June 3, 1995. Opinion per Burnett,  J. Henning  Vent, Kimberly Lincoln-Stewart and Deborah  Hawkins for District of Columbia. Glenn St. Marie for Respondents. Ethel Ollivierre (Guardian  ad Litem).  Ann Suh for Third Party.

 

 

 

 

 

CRIMINAL LAW & PROCEDURE

FRISK

123 D.W.L.R. 745 (Apr.19,1995)

 

 

Motion to suppress is granted  where police officer  frisk of defendant exceeded  lawful search  for protective purposes and became unauthorized evidentiary search; Terry stop  permits  patdown not push  up.

 

UNITED STATES  v. HOLDEN, Super. Ct. D.C., Crim. No. M-10704-94, March 7, 1995. Opinion per Burnett, J.

Catherine C. Pisaturo with Kenneth H. Cowgill and Eric H. Holder, Jr. for the United States. Andrew Grosso  for the

 

37

Defendant.

 

 

CRIMINAL LAW & PROCEDURE

INEFFECTIVE COUNSEL

123 D.W.L.R. 265 (Feb.13,1995)

 

 

Defendant  showed ineffective assistance of counsel and  conviction is reversed  where defense counseldid not read and understand and introduce medicalrecords of D.C.GeneralHospitaland D.C. Jail which indicated that  defendant could not have walked the distances stated by government witnesses.        ·

 

 

UNITED STATES  v. BERRY, Super. Ct. D.C., No. SF-10962-90, December 1, 1994. Opinion per Burnett, J. Rachel Adelman Pierson with John M  Facciola and Eric H. Holder, Jr. for the United States. David C. Gray for the Defendant­ Petitioner.

 

 

 

CRIMINAL LAW & PROCEDURE

CHRONIC ALCOHOLIC

123 D.W.L.R. 245 (Feb.9,1995)

 

 

Defendant charged with misdemeanor has right to request civil commitment as “chronic alcoholic” although Corporation Counsel has not sought that disposition.

 

 

UNITED STATES v. LEWIS, Super. Ct. D.C., Crim. No. M-2870-94, November28, 1994. Opinion per Burnett,J. Catherine  Pisaturo with Kenneth  W Cowgill and Eric H Holder, Jr. for the United States. Edward Terrar for the Defendant.

 

 

 

 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

SANCTIONS

122 D.W.L.R.1821 (Sept. 13, 1994)

 

 

Rule 11 sanction of $11,771 is imposed on petitioner  District of Columbia and its counselin suit dismissed for lack of jurisdiction because of non-compliance with statutory requirement that interest arbitration results  be submitted to D.C.Councilfor approvalor rejection.

 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT v. FRATERNAL  ORDER OF POLICE, METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT/LABOR COMMITTEE,  ET AL., Super. Ct. D.C., No. Misc. 91-CA-

12686, August 1, 1994. Opinion per Burnett, J.  George B. Driesen for Respondents. 0. Gregory Lewis for Petitioner,

District of Columbia.

 

 

 

EVIDENCE

BUSINESS RECORDS

122 D.W.L.R.1721(Aug.29,1994)

 

 

Plaintiffs record of verification of insurance coverage of patient,was not sufficiently trustworthy or reliable for admissionof liability;employer andinsurance company acting as administrative agent are not liable for care to employee without verification of coverage.

 

THE PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE OF WASHINGTON,D.C.,INC. v. THE PRUDENTIAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA,  ET AL., Super. Ct. D.C., C.A. No. 90-CA-8992, June  1, 1994. Opinion  per Burnett, J. Robert  0

Johnston and Sandra L. Schweitzer for the PlaintiffPsychiatric Institute of Washington, D.C., Inc. Charles H. Fleischer

38

and Clifton M. Mount for the Defendant The Prudential Insurance Company of America. Lawrence Eiser and Paul J. Maloney for the Defendant Miller & Long Company, Inc. Andrew Vaughn, prose.

 

 

 

 

DAMAGES

REMITTITUR

122 D.W.L.R.1593  (Aug.11,1994)

 

 

Remittitur to $500,000 is ordered of $2,000,000 verdict for  32-year-old plaintiff who  was injured at Lorton CorrectionalFacility resulting in pain and suffering,reduction in strength in left leg to 80-85% or normal and reduced earning capacity.

 

GORDON  v. DISTRJCT OFCOLUMBIA, ET AL., Super. Ct. D.C., C.A. 90-1231, J une21, 1994. Opinion per Burnett, J.  Lawrence S. Lapidus and Michael  M  Wilson for Plaintiff. Sherman Robinson for Defendant District of Colu mbia. Leon Roth for Defendant National  Capital Systems, Inc.

 

 

 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PUBLIC DUTY

122 D.W.L.R. 641 (Apr. 6,1994)

 

 

D.C.statutes and regulations governing day care centers do not create specialrelationship with child enrolled in unlicensed center who was allegedly abused imposing liability on D.C.

 

BROWN, ET AL. v. DISTRJCT OF COLUMBIA, ET AL.,Super. Ct. D.C., No. CA8046-88, March 14, 1994. Opinion per Burnett, J. Samuel J Lowe for the Plaintiffs. Charlotte Bradley with George C. Valentine, MartinL. Grossman and John Payton  for the Defendant  District  of Columbia. Gerald I. Fisher for the Defendant Arnold McLaurin; and the Defendant  Joyful Star Day Care Center, Inc., unrepresented.

 

 

 

PRISONER’S RIGHTS

DISCIPLINARY HEARING

122 D.W.L.R. 613 (Apr.1,1994)

 

 

Where  D.C. Adjustment Board did not set forth basis for finding disciplinary breach and failed to do so after remand and prisoner has served full period of punishment and offense occurred 26 months before,Court orders that  no rehearing or further disciplinary proceedings be held.

 

BROGSDALE v. DISTRICT  OF COLUMBIA,  Super. Ct. D.C., No. 92-CA-7021, January  31, 1994. Opinion  per

Burnett, J.  Robert C. Hauhart  for Plaintiff.  Lawrence G. McPherson for District of Columbi a.

 

 

 

CIVIL PROCEDURE

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTOR DEFENSE

122 D.W.L.R. 513  (Mar.18,1994)

 

 

Defendant who allegedly negligently applied chemical products while cleaning government offices is not entitled to government contractor defense where applicati on involved discretion by employee without direction or mandate from any government employee.

 

MANNING v. OGDEN ALLIED EASTERN STATES MAINTENANCE CORPORATION, Super.Ct. D.C., C.A. No.

91-CA-7209, February 2, 1994. Opinion per Burnett, J. Patrick M  Regan and Jonathan E. Halperin for the Plaintiff.

 

39

Richard A. Dean and Michael J. Pollack for the Defendant.

 

 

 

 

 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

NOTICE

122 O.W.L.R. 241 (Feb.8, 1994)

 

 

Suit against D.C. based on alleged improper involuntary hospitalization is dismissed for deficient notice under§ 12-309.

 

 

MAGWOOD v. GIDDINGS, ET AL., Super. Ct. D.C., Civil Action No. 92-CA-6867, September 9, 1993. Opinion per

Burnett, J. Shelah Fidel/man Lynn for the Plaintiff. Darrell C. Valdez for the Defendants.

 

 

 

CONTRACTS

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

122 D.W.L.R. 69  (Jan.12, 1994)

 

 

Oraloffer of settlement by defendant which was accepted by plaintiff is enforced despite defendant’s later change  of mind.

 

 

SILAS   v. GARCIA’S INCORPORATED, ET AL., Super. Ct. D.C., No. 92-CA-90, August  4, 1993. Opinion  per Burnett, J. Joel W. Anders and MacKenzie Canter, III for the Plaintiff.  John G. Lynch and Cynthia G. McKnight for the Defendants.

 

 

 

SUMMARY JUDGMENT

INTENT – MOTIVE

121 D.W.L.R. 2469  (Dec. 6,1993)

 

 

Summary judgment would not be proper where evidence of fraudulent intent and on issues of intent and motive was not clear.

 

 

FORD, ET AL. v. SHERMAN, ET AL., Super. Ct. D.C., No. 92-CA-16307, September 30, 1993. Opinion per Burnett, J. Steve Larson-Jackson for the Plaintiffs. Paul Krause and John Tremain May for Defendants Andrew J. Sherman and Deborah E. Bouchoux. Steve Umin, John K. Villa and R. Hackney Wiegmann for Defendants David M. Munchnikoff, Martin  L. Meyrowitz,  Howard  Ross and Silver,  Freedman  & Taff.  Jeffrey  J. Hines and  Jeffrey  T. Lindgren  for Defendants  Elliott Pinta, Carl N. Duncan and McVey and Sherman, Chtd.  R. Kenneth Mundy, Co-counsel for Melvin Ford.

 

 

 

PRISONER’S RIGHTS

WRITTEN STATEMENT

121D.W.L.R.2441 (Dec.2, 1993)

 

 

Prisoner’s constitutional and statutory rights were violated  by prison disciplinary decision made without written statement of evidence and reason for decision.

 

 

BROGSDALE v. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, Super. Ct. D.C., No. 92-CA-7021, September 20, 1993. Opinion per

 

 

40

Burnett, J.  Robert C. Hauhart and Vincent Wilkins, Jr. for the Plaintiff. Lawrence McPherson for the Defendant.

 

 

 

 

PARTNERSHIPS

PROPERTY

121 D.W.L.R. 1933,1941  (Sept. 21,1993)

 

 

Real property was partnership property although it was titled in cne partner’s name  where that was intention of parties.

 

SATRIS v. THOMPSON, ET AL. , Su per. Ct. D.C., No. 90-CA-14287, July 22, 1993. Opinion per Burnett,J. John E. Scheuermann for the Plaintiff and Counterclaim Defendant.  Janet W. Blassingame for the Defendant and Counterclaim Plaintiff as  personal  representative of the Estate of Robert Anthony Thompson.   James W. Rudasill  for Vaizie L. Thom pson as Counterclaim Plaintiff in her individual capacity as a creditor  against the partnership and/or against the Estate of Robert Anthony Thompson.

 

 

 

 

 

CIVIL RIGHTS

JURISDICTION

121 D.W.L.R.1497,1509 & 1517  (July 23 & 26-27, 1993)

 

 

D.C.Human Rights Act forbids telling black employee in D.C. that  her opportunity for promotion to job in Maryland is precluded because she  is black and suit could be brought in D.C. or Maryland; punitive damages and jury trial are available under D.C. Act.

 

HOLT v. LIFE CARE SERVICES CORPORATION, Super. Ct.D.C. No.91-CA 11713, January 25, 1993. Opinion per Burnett,J. Br uce A. Fredrickson, Susan L. Brackshaw and Mary Ann Kelly for the Plaintiff. Joel M Cohn and Sanford B. Ring for Defendant.

 

 

 

 

CIVIL PROCEDURE

SANCTIONS – NON-PARTY WITNESS

121D.W.L.R.1217  (June 15,1993)

 

 

Costs are assessed against non-party witness based on additionalexpenses incurred obtaining court orders compelling compliance by treating physician with discovery obligations.

 

MITCHELL v. STATE FARM  INSURANCE  CO., Super.  Ct. D.C., No. 91-CA-9971, May 11,  1993. Opinion  per Burnett, J.  Adgie O‘Bryant  for the Plaintiff.   M ark M  Jones and Harold  E. Jordan for the Defendant.  R. Kenneth Mundy for Respondent/ Deponent.

 

 

 

 

NEGLIGENCE

JUDGMENT N.O.V.

121D.W.L.R. 1181 (June 10,1993)

 

 

Judgment n.o.v. is deniedinsuit against D.C.where jury awarded $600,000 to personalrepresentative of person killed by police officer.

 

41

COLEMAN v. THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBI A, Super. Ct. D.C., Civil Action No. 89-9305, May 8, 1993. Opinion per Burnett,J.  Blair G. Brown for the Plaintiff.  Arabella Teal for the Defendant.

 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

LEASE

121D.W.L.R.997  (May 18, 1993)

 

 

District of Columbia is liable for overtime usage of building,penalty interest under  Quick Pay Act, prejudgment interest after one year and post-judgment interest at statutory rate.

 

McCRAY v. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ET AL., Super. Ct. D.C., No. 86-CA-10414, March  4, 1993. Opinion per

Bumett, J.  Bernard A. Gray, Sr. for the Plaintiff. Arabella Teal for the Defendants.

 

 

 

CIVIL PROCEDURE

FORUM NON CONVENIENS

121D.W.L.R.861(Apr.30,1993)

 

 

Medicalmalpractice suit  against D.C.hospital brought by plaintiffs who moved to D.C.after  claim arose is dismissed under forum non conveniens where alleged malpractice took place in Virginia, Virginia law governs,and Virginia Birth-Related NeurologicalInjury Compensation Act may provide exclusive remedy.

 

 

BAILEY,  ET  AL. v. PRESIDENT AND DIRECTORS  OF GEORGETOWN  COLLEGE, d/b/a  GEORGETOWN UNlVERSITY HOSPITAL, Super. Ct. D.C., No. 92-CA-4072, December  9, 1992. Opinion per Burnett, J. Jack H Olender, Gary  S. Freeman  and  Marian  K. Riedy for  Plaintiffs. Jeremiah  C. Collins and William  A. Sarraille  for Defendant.

 

 

 

CIVIL RIGHTS

HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT

121D.W.L.R.629,641& 653 (Mar.31 & Apr.1-2,1993)

 

 

Judgment n.o.v. denied  where  jury had sufficient probative evidence  to find that  plaintiff was terminated in reprisal for complaining of female homosexualorientation discrimination under D.C. Human Rights Act.

 

GREEN v. HOWARD UNIVERSITY, Super. Ct. D.C., No. 91-CA-4194, December 4, 1992. Opinion  per Burnett, J. Alan Banov for Plaintiff.  Susan Riley for Defendant.

 

 

 

DECEASED PERSONS

RELEASE OF BODY

121D.W.L.R. 557 (Mar.22,1993)

 

 

Court will determine on case-by-case basis whether unidentified bodies in custody of Chief Medical

Examiner will be released and not by declaratory judgment.

 

COMMUNITY FOR CREATIVE NON-VIOLENCE, ET AL. v. GRAY, ET AL., Super. Ct. D.C., Civil Action No. 92-

10343, February 4, 1993. Opinion per Burnett, J. John W. Nields, Jr.and Peter E. Moll for the Plaintiffs.John C. Cook

with John Payton, Martin L. Grossman and George C. Valentine for the Defendants.

 

 

 

CIVIL PROCEDURE

INTERLOCUTORY APPEAL

121D.W.L.R.313  (Feb.18,1993)

 

 

Motion  to certify interlocutory appeal is denied  on discovery ruling that reply  by attorney  to Bar

42

Counselis not a privileged communication and can be used as admission in civil proceeding.

 

JONES, ET AL. v. McNEIL & RJCKS, P.C., ET AL. v. UNIVERSAL SETTLEMENTS, INC., ET AL.,Super. Ct. D.C., No. 91-CA-678, September 30, 1992. Opinion per Bumett, J. Richard J Mudd for the Plaintiff. John Perazich for the Defendants. Herbert A. Callihan for Third-Party Defendant  Universal Settlements, Inc.

 

 

 

CIVIL PROCEDURE

LONG ARM STATUTE

121D.W.L.R. 189  (Feb.2,1993)

 

 

District of Columbia lacks jurisdiction in medical malpractice suit where all medical services  were rendered in Maryland,defendant physician did not have office or advertise in D.C.;suit against health plan dismissed under forum non conveniens where suit was filed in D.C.seeking to obtain litigation advantage.

 

 

COLCLOUGH v. KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH  PLAN OF THE MID-ATLANTIC STATES, INC., ET AL., Super. Ct. D.C., No. 92-CA-2476, December  15,  1992. Opinion per Bumett, J.    Ferguson Evans, Ronald Steven Douglas and David E. George for the Plaintiff.  Joseph Montedonico, Scott D. Austin and Andrew J Spence for the Defendants.

 

 

 

CIVIL PROCEDURE

STAY

121D.W.L.R. 137 (Jan.26,1993)

 

 

Stay granted of further proceedings in trialcourt pending appealfrom denialof forum non conveniens

motion in legalmalpractice suit.

 

KNIGHT v. GLASSMAN, Super. Ct. D.C., No. 91-CA-13296, December 10, 1992. Opinion per Burnett, J. Bradley

  1. Schwartz and Harvey A. Jacobs for the Plaintiff. Martin G. Hacala for the Defendant.

 

 

 

 

REAL PROPERTY

SALES CONTRACT

120 D.W.L.R. 2753, 2765 (Dec.30-31, 1992)

 

Purchasers of realproperty were entitled  to return of deposit  under  contingency clause where they diligently sought financing but were unable to obtain required  loan.

 

WILBURN, ET UX. v. WIMSATT,  Super. Ct. D.C., No. 90-CA-4613, November 17, 1992. Opinion per Burnett, J.

Charles R. McBrier, Jr. for the Plaintiffs. Stephen 0. Hessler for the Defendant.

 

 

 

LANDLORD AND TENANT

RULES AND PROCEDURES

120 D.W.L.R. 2693 (Dec.21,1992)

 

 

Landlord granted possession of apartment based on tenant violation of rule to report complaints on telephone call-in tape recording system and failure to pay proper electric  charge for air conditioning.

 

43

McGINTY  v. DICKSON, Super.  Ct. D.C., Nos. 92 L&T 01946 & 92 L&T 08125,  Novem ber 9, 1992. Opinion per Burnett, J.   Winston J Yallery-Arthur for the Plaintiff.   Rufus W. McKinney, Jr. for the Defendant. Vemard Dickson, Defendant  pro se during Evidence  Portion of Bench Trial.

 

HOME IMPROVEMENT

LICENSE

120 D.W.L.R.2645 (Dec.15, 1992)

 

 

Contractor must repay sums receivedfor remodeling andcannot collect for services performed where contractor was not licensed at time of contacting although it later received license.

 

CEVERN, INC. v. FERBISH, ET AL.,Super. Ct. D.C., No. 91-CA-3314, November 18, 1992. Opinion per Burnett,

  1. CurtS. Hansen for Plaintiff.Quentin W Banks for Defendants.

 

 

 

 

 

DISCOVERY

VISA STATUS

120 D.W.L.R. 2597 (Dec.9,1992)

 

 

Discovery  of defendant’s visa status would not be relevant in automobile collision personal injury case and where  counsel has proffered  no plausible explanation of need for information, motion  to compelis denied and sanctions imposed on counsel for plaintiff.

 

MBONY v. GARRIDO, Super. Ct. D.C., No. 91-CA-15972, November 16, 1992. Opinion per Burnett,J. Steven R. Hook for the Plaintiff.  Harold E. Jordan and O’Neil S. King for the Defendant.

 

 

 

 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

FURLOUGHS

120 D.W.L.R.2533 (Nov.30,1992)

 

 

Preliminary injunction issued where Court concludes that furloughs and withholding of within-grade promotions of District of Columbia employees  violates the Impairment of Contracts Clause of U.S. Constitution.

 

AMERICAN FEDERATION OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO, ET AL. v. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ET AL., Super.  Ct. D.C., Nos. 92-CA-6954  & 92-CA-12225, October 22, 1992. Opinion per Burnett,  J.  Anne M. Wagner and Mark D. Roth for Plaintiff American Federation of Government  Employees, AFL-CIO. Edward J. Smith for PlaintiffNational Association of Government Employees, AFL-CI0. Robert E. Pau/ and Wendy Kahn for Plaintiffs in both cases.  Jonathan G. Axelrod for Plaintiffs, George H. Cohen and Jeremiah A. Collins for Plaintiffs; Sally M. Tedrow for Plaintiffs; PatrickJ. Symanskifor Plaintiffs;CarolR Golubock for PlaintiffService Employees International Union, AFL-CIO; Metcalfe C. King with John Payton, Martin L. Grossman and Michael Zielinski for Defendants.

 

 

 

 

CRIMINAL LAW & PROCEDURE

SEIZED FUNDS

120 D.W.L.R.2085 (Sept.29,1992)

 

 

District of Columbia as libellant did not establish that money was found in “close proximity” to drug paraphernalia or that it was fruit  of proceeds  of sale of controlled substances; claimant rebuffed presumption by plausible explanation of source of funds.

 

 

 

44

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA v.$4,095.00INUNITED STATES CURRENCY (VERNON WILLIAMS), ET AL.,Super. Ct. D.C., No. CA8145-90, August 4, 1992. Opinion per Burnett,J.  William J. Bennett for District of Columbia. Gary Kohlman and Mark Rochon for Respondent.

 

CIVIL PROCEDURE

SANCTIONS- RES JUDICATA

120 D.W.L.R.1829  (Aug.27, 1992)

 

 

$2500 sanction imposed against attorneys for filing suit against partnership where neither statute nor common l aw authorize action;settlement agreement bars all claims except for breach of agreement.

 

WILSON v. HADID, ET AL., Super. Ct. D.C., Civil Action No. CA13301-90, Ju l y 6, 1992. Opinion per Burnett, J. Joseph M  Cahill and PaulS. Thaler for the Plaintiff. Richard A. Gross and Ellyn R. Weiss for the Defendant 1001 New York Avenue Associates Limited  Partnership.

 

 

 

CIVIL PROCEDURE

IMMIGRATION STATUS

120 D.W.L.R. 1641 (Aug.4, 1992)

 

 

Plaintiff in police misconduct case may be asked on deposition as to immigration status and if in U.S. illegally may  assert Fifth Amendment privilege.

 

MARTINEZ,  ET AL. v. DISTRJCT OF COLUMBIA, Super. Ct. D.C., No. 91-CA-13462, May 30, 1992. Opinion per Burnett, J. James E. Drew for Plaintiffs. John C. Cook with John Payton,Martin L. Grossman and George C. Valentine for Defendant.

 

 

 

DOMESTIC  RELATIONS

CIVIL CONTEMPT

120 D.W.L.R. 1037  (May 18,1992)

 

 

Husband’s continuing in real estate hoping that  market  will pick  up  and failing to obtain salaried employment may be bad judgment but is not  sufficient basis to hold him in civilcontempt.

 

 

RAPPAPORT v. GALLER, Super. Ct. D.C., No. DR-1250-88d, January 14, 1992. Opinion per Burnett, J.  Irena I.

Karpinski for the Plaintiff, Yigal Rappaport.  Dale A. Cooter and Mary E. Madigan for the Defendant Michelle Galler.

 

 

 

NEGLIGENCE

INTERSECTION COLLISION

120 D.W.L.R. 941  (May 6,1992)

 

 

Judgment n.o.v. granted plaintiff  and new trial ordered as to damages where defendant did notinch out or look to right when proceeding across intersection.

 

REPP v. ELLIS, Super.  Ct. D.C., No. 90-11497, March 24, 1992. Opinion per Burnett, J.   Arlene  Kajker for the

Plaintiff. William R. Scanlin for the Defendant.

 

 

 

CIVIL PROCEDURE

FORUM NON CONVENIENS

120 D.W.L.R. 713  (Apr. 8,1992)

 

 

Action in D.C.by Maryland resi dents  against WMATA  based on incident in Maryland is dismissed under  forum non  conveniens.

 

HENDERSON, ET UX. v. WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN  AREA TRANSIT AUTHORJTY,Super. Ct. D.C., No.

91-CA12703, January 29, 1992. Opinion per Burnett, J. Richard D. P augh for the Plaintiffs. Mark F. Sullivan with

 

45

Robert L. Polk, Arnold I. Melnick a nd Fredrick H Schuster for the Defendant.

 

CRIMINAL LAW & PROCEDURE

INTENT

120 D.W.L.R.697 (Apr.6,1992)

 

 

Where there was insufficient evidence that defendant had specific intent to deprive owner of benefit of vehicle,charge of receiving stolen property is not proven although evidence supports guilty verdict of unauthorized use of vehicle.

 

 

UNITED STATES  v. BROWN, Super.Ct. D.C., Crim.No. SF-7986-90, November27, 1991. Opinion per Burnett, J. Halsey Frank with Jay B. Stephens for the United States. Rakesh Mehrotra for the Defendant.

 

 

 

POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS

LIABILITY

120 D.W.L.R.685 (Apr.3, 1992)

 

 

Candidate and members of campaign committee may be liable for campaign debts if plaintiff shows it reasonably relied on personalcredit of particular defendant or that defendant authorized or ratified obligation in manner that reasonably implicated personal credit.

 

MEDIA PLACEMENT CONSULTANTS, INC. v. TURNER, ET AL.,Super. Ct. D.C., No.91-CA6911, February27,

  1. 1992.Opinion per Burnett, RichardS. Sternberg for the Plaintiff. Charles H. Schulze for the Defendant.

 

 

 

CRIMINAL LAW & PROCEDURE

ARTICULABLE SUSPICION – PROBABLE CAUSE

120 D.W.L.R. 153 (Jan.24,1992)

 

 

Police had articulable basis to stop based on suspicious behavior prior to abandoning black pouch and when pouch was retrieved and found to contain ziplock bags they had probable cause to arrest.

 

UNITED STATES  v. JOHNSON, Super. Ct. D.C., Crim. No. F-11558-89, November 5, 1991. Opinion per Burnett, J. Michael T. Lasley for the Defendant. Jonathan Shapiro for United States.

 

 

 

MENTAL HEALTH

TREATMENT

120 D.W.L.R.85 (Jan.14,1992)

 

 

Court does not have authority to instruct St.Elizabeths Hospitalstaff to follow particular psychiatric and medical treatment program for acquittee.

 

UNITED STATES v. WISE, Super.Ct. D.C.,No. F-10356-89, December6, 1991. Opinion per Burnett,J. G. Michael

Lennon for United States.  Lois R. Goodman for the Defendant.

 

 

 

DOMESTIC RELATIONS

CHILD SUPPORT

119 D.W.L.R.1985  (Sept.17, 1991)

 

 

D.C. Superior  Court has jurisdiction to modify prospectively support order in URESA suit  without regard to Jaw in sending state.

 

R.M.N. v. M.R.N., Super. Ct. D.C., No. DR-6837-88, July 15, 1991. Opinion per Bumett, J.  Leslie Fein for the

46

Plaintiff. Brian McNair Booth for the Defendant.

 

EVIDENCE

DYING DECLARATION

119 D.W.L.R.1649  (Aug.6,1991)

 

 

Statement of defendant made with knife in his back is admissible as dying declaration or spontaneous utterance.

 

UNITED STATES  v. WISE, Super. Ct. D.C., No. SF-10356-89, June 17, 1991. Opinion per Burnett, J. G. M ichael

Lennon for U.S. Ronald A. Goodbread  for the Defendant.

 

 

 

CRIMINAL  LAW & PROCEDURE

IDENTIFICATION

119 D.W.L.R. 1553 (July 24, 1991)

 

 

After police had entered house with consent of defendant’s grandmother and apparent owner,a brief detention for ride-by identification was proper.

 

UNITED STATES v. BRENT, Super. Ct. D.C., No.Crim. F-3522-90, April30, 1991. Opinion per Burnett, J. Gilberta

DeJesus with Jay B. Stephens for the United States. Dennis C. Galarowicz for the Defendant.

 

 

 

CRIMINAL LAW & PROCEDURE

ARREST

119 D.W.L.R. 1325 (June  24,1991)

 

 

Arrest based on traffic stop was proper where defendant was backing up 50 feet in one-way street at

10 p.m.and resulting seizure was therefore proper.

 

UNITED STATES v. GRAHAM, Super. Ct. D.C., No. F-5594-90, April10, 1991. Opinion per Burnett, J.  Robert A. Kemins with Jay B. Stephens for the United States. Edward D. Joseph for the Defendant.

 

 

 

ADOPTION

RACE

119 D.W.L.R.1209  (June 10,1991)

 

 

Under circumstances presented, race is not a significant negative factor  in adoption of young black male by unmarried white male.

 

IN THE PETITION OF J.H.M., Super.  Ct. D.C., No. Adoption  A-151-89, March 11, 1991. Opinion per Burnett, J. Mark Levine for Petitioner. Bettye Phi(er–Ames with Herbert 0. Reid, Sr. and Mary Pat Toups for the child.  Judith R. Larsen for the natural mother of the child.

 

 

 

PARENT AND CHILD

COLLEGE EDUCATION

119 D.W.L.R.905  (May 1,1991)

 

 

Agreement that father pay for child’s college education which is unconditional does not depend on child  successfully passmg  courses; agreement  is  modified  to  provide that  future support  is conditioned on child maintaining C level in courses taken.

 

KATZ v. REYNOLDS, Super. Ct. D.C., No. D 867-87, September 1 9, 1990, October 22, 1990, April!, 1991. Opinion per Burnett, J.  David B. Lamb for Plaintiff. CarolS. Blumenthal for Defendant.

 

 

 

DOMESTIC RELATIONS

PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM

119 D.W.L.R. 885 (Apr.29,1991)

 

47

Judgment in personal injury  claim is marital property and trial judge  has discretion in allocating between parties.

 

BETHEL v. BETHEL, Super. Ct. D.C., No. DR1114-89d, January  22, 1991. Opinion per Burnett, J.  Cassandra  P. Hicks for Plaintiff.  Daniel K. Schultz for Defendant.

 

 

 

TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS

NOTICE OF INFRACTION

119 D.W.L.R.873 (Apr.26,1991)

 

 

Notice of Infraction of traffic violation is not prima facie evidence of violation where statute requires clear and convincing evidence.

 

IBRAHIM v. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, Super. Ct. D.C., No. 823623054,  April 8, 1991. Opinion per Burnett, J.

Edward F. Kearney for Appellant.  Anthony C. Gagliardi for Appellee.

 

 

CRIMINAL LAW & PROCEDURE

JUVENILES

119 D.W.L.R. 673 (Apr.2,1991)

 

 

Sixteen-year-old may not be prosecuted as an adult for assault with intent to commit murder because no such offense exists in D.C.

 

UNITED STATES v. HOBBS,Super. Ct. D.C., No. F-5041-89, February 22, 1991. Opinion per Bumett, J. G. Michael

Lennon with Jay B. Stephens for the United States. Ronald E. Horton and David Bos for the Defendant.

 

 

MENTAL HEALTH

ATTORNEY FEES

119 D.W.L.R.665 (Apr.1,1991)

 

 

Father is ordered to pay attorney fees and fee for psychologist in action where he was required to pay child support for 35-year-old mentally handicapped person.

 

HARRIS v. HARRIS,  Super. Ct. D.C., No. D-2687-72, February 25, 1991. Opinion per Burnett, J.  Noel  Thomas Johnson for the Petitioner. A.Kay Comentale for the Respondent.  Marion E. Baurley, Counsel and Guardian ad litem for Yvonne Harris.

 

 

 

CHILD SUPPORT

ARREARAGES

119 D.W.L.R.621 (Mar.26,1991)

 

 

Liability for past due child support continues after child is emancipated;12-year statute of limitations applies to child support payments.

 

JOLLYv. JOLLY, Super. Ct. D.C., No. DR3591-69d, February 25, 1991. Opinion per Burnett, J. Barbara L. Smith

for the Plaintiff. George A. Caldwell for the Defendant.

 

 

 

PENSION PLAN

PENSION PLAN

119 D.W.L.R.345 (Feb.19,1991)

 

Wife is awarded half of IRA and defined contribution pension plan and alimony is reduced to reflect

8% interest on amounts received;where wife is receiving half of husband’s salary he is not required

to reimburse her half of amounts spent on lady friends.

 

LEHRFELD v. LEHRFELD, Super. Ct. D.C., No. DR-2973-88d, April22, 1991. Opinion per Burnett, J. James L.

48

Rider and Matthew A. Pavuk for the Plaintiff.  Joseph D. Crumlish for the Defendant.

 

DOMESTIC RELATIONS

MARITAL PROPERTY

119 D.W.L.R. 345 (Feb.19,1991)

 

 

Inheritance lost  identity as separate property  when commingled and used to purchase home;as a matter of law there is no goodwill for sole owner law firm.

 

 

LEHRFELD v. LEHRFELD, Super. Ct. D.C., No. DR2973-88d, November 14, 1990. Opinion per Burnett, J. James

  1. Rider and Matthew A. Pavuk for Plaintiff.Joseph D. Crumlish for Defendant.

 

 

 

DOMESTIC RELATIONS

CHILD SUPPORT

118 D.W.L.R.2593  (Nov.27,1990)

 

 

Child  support amount is set based on Guidelines  even though child resides in Ohio where cost of living is lower and amount awarded is in excess of mother’s listing of child’s needs.

 

WALKER v. SIMMONS, Super. Ct. D.C., Fam. Div., No. DR-1587-81P, October 3, 1990. Opinion per Bumett,J. E. Marie Wilson  Lindsay  for the Petitioner.  David C. Simmons, pro se.

 

 

 

PARENT AND CHILD

SUPPORT

118 D.W.L.R. 2481 (Nov.13,1990)

 

 

Parent’s duty to support minor child ends upon emancipation where child in jurisdiction resides.

 

 

SMITH v. OESTREICH, Super. Ct. D.C., Fam. Div., Case No. RS439-85-R, October l, 1990. Opinion per Bumett, J. Michelle Godette for District of Columbia.  Phillip William Oestreich, prose.

 

 

 

JUDGMENT

CHILD SUPPORT

118 D.W.L.R. 2493 (Nov. 4,1990)

 

 

Final decision of  Maryland court  terminating child support bars District of Columbia petition for support of child residing in District of Columbia.

 

ROLLINS v. ROLLINS, Super. Ct. D.C., C.A. No. PS333-90s, August I , 1990. Opinion per Burnett, J.                                                                                                                                                                  Michael L. Alston for District of Columbia. Othello G. Jones, Jr. for Respondent.

 

 

 

CRIMINAL LAW & PROCEDURE

NEW TRIAL

118 D.W.L.R. 2377 (Oct. 31, 1990)

 

 

Motion for new trialbecause police officer who testified at trialtested positive for drug useis denied where test was six months after trial,witness’ testimony was not centralto conviction.

 

49

UNITED STATES v. BROOKS, ET AL., Super. Ct. D.C., Crim. No. F-6825-88,  Septem ber 14, 1990. Opinion  per Burnett, J.  John M  Facciola and James  Dinan for United  States. Myrtle Wyre for Defendant   Brooks. William J. Temple former counsel for Defendant Lewis.  Joseph Beshouri current counsel for Defendant Lewis.

 

DOMESTIC RELATIONS

AGREEMENT

118 D.W.L.R. 2301 (Oct.22,1990)

 

 

Oralagreement spread on the record before Hearing Commissioner is not set aside on appealwhere it is clear that agreement was not to be modified by the parties.

 

 

HARRIS v. HARRIS,  Super. Ct. D.C., Dom. Rei. Branch, No. 2966-87,  August  14, 1990. Opinion per Burnett, J.

Robert M  Alexander for Plaintiff.  JayS. Weiss for Defendant. ‘

 

 

 

 

PARENT & CHILD

TERMINATION OF RIGHTS

118 D.W.L.R.2221(Oct.11,1990)

 

 

D.C. Code§ 16-2354(a) providing that child  through legal representative may move to terminate parentalrights is not unconstitutionalbecause Department of Human Services was not a party  and no D.C.government counselparticipated in hearing.

 

 

IN THE MATIERS OF A.S. AND J.S., Super. Ct. D.C., Fam. Div. Neglect Sr. Case No. N-295-87, August 28, 1990. Opinion per Burnett, J. Stephanie Y  Brown for Respondent children.  Robert E. Richardson for mother of Respondent children. Linda Caruso for father of one of the Respondent children.  Henning Vent with Herbert 0 Reid, Sr., Beverly

  1. Burke, Michael Cobb and Bettye P. Ames for the District of Columbia.

 

 

 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

LIMITATION OF ACTIONS

118 D.W.L.R. 2202 (Oct.9,1990)

 

 

Twelve-year statute of limitations on judgments applies to District of Columbia  seeking to enforce judgment for child support;laches may not be asserted.

 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA  EX REL FAULKNER v. TINSLEY, Super. Ct. D.C., Fam. Div. No. P-0117-75, August

23, 1990. Opinion per Burnett, J.  Janice Y  Sheppard with Herbert 0. ReiC<: Sr., Martin L. Grossman and  Arlene L.

Robinson for the Petitioner; Christopher J. Herling for the Respondent.

 

 

 

DOMESTIC RELATIONS

ANNULMENT

118 D.W.L.R.2181(Oct.5,1990)

 

 

Annulment granted on grounds of fraud where man did not consider civilmarriage ceremony to be valid and did not tell woman that he would not consummate marriage without religious ceremony.

 

C.B. v. A.S., Super. Ct. Fam. Divi. D.C. No. DR22 I 7-90d, August 24, 1990. Opinion per Burnett,J. Jocelyn N  Sands

for the Plaintiff. Tilman L. Gerald for the Defendant.

 

 

 

DOMESTIC RELATIONS

EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION

118 D.W.L.R.2089  (Sept.25,1990)

 

 

so

Court grants wife divorce on grounds of separation, determines separate and maritalproperty and makes equitable distribution of assets based on facts including husband’s conduct during marriage.

 

BORTNICK v. YOUNG, Super. Ct. D.C., Fam. Div., No. DR-02707-89, July 3, 1990. Opinion  per Burnett, J. Marna

  1. Tucker for Defendant. James G. Nolan for Plaintiff.

 

 

 

CHILD SUPPORT

HANDICAPPED PERSON

118 D.W.L.R.1977 (Sept.11,1990)

 

 

Father is ordered to pay support for adult mentally handicapped daughter.

 

 

HARRIS v. HARRIS, Super. Ct. D.C., Fam. Div., No. D-2687-72, July 23, 1990. Opinion per Burnett, J.  Sanford M Speight,  Noel Johnson,  Arlene L. Robinson and Herbert 0. Reid, Sr. for the Petitioner-Plaintiff. A. Kay Comentale for the Respondent-Defendant. Marion E. Baurley, Guardian ad litem for handicapped ad ult child, Ms. Yvonne Harris.

 

 

 

CRIMINAL LAW & PROCEDURE

DRUG SCHEDULES

118 D.W.L.R. 1977  (Sept.11,1990)

 

 

Drug conviction and  sentence are not improper because of failure  of Mayor to revise and  publish schedules under D.C. Controlled Substances Act.

 

UNITED STATES v. PETWAY, Super. Ct. D.C., Crim. No. F-5928-88, July 11, 1990. Opinion per Burnett, J. Odessa

  1. F. Vincent and Jay Stephens for the United States.  James F. Fishel for the Defendant.   Karen L. Cooper  with

Margaret L. Hines and Frederick D. Cooke,  Jr. for  District of Columbia.

 

 

 

DOMESTIC RELATIONS

CHILD SUPPORT

118 D.W.L.R. 1773  (Aug.14, 1990)

 

 

Child support payments are reduced on a temporary basis for 12-month period where  almost all of father’s salary is withheld until past due debts are satisfied.

 

BRYANT v. ROBINSON, ET AL., Super. Ct. D.C., C.A. Nos. P-335-81 & RS-1179-86R, June 29, 1990. Opinion per

Burnett, J. Kirk Callan Smith for Respondent in No. RS-1179-86R. Barbara E. Sosnick for Respondent in No. P-335-

  1. James DeVita for District of Columbia.

 

 

 

DOMESTIC RELATIONS

EQUITABLE LIEN

118 D.W.L.R. 1517 (July 12,1990)

 

 

Upon divorce decree husband is awarded equitable lien in wife’s  property on  condition that  he execute quitclaim deed.

 

NEWTON v. NEWTON, Super. Ct. D.C.,Fam. Div. No. DR02106-89,May 10, 1990. Opinion per Burnett, J. Thomas

Hylden for the Plaintiff.  Nancy K. Glassman for the Defendant.

 

 

 

PARENT AND CHILD

ADOPTION

118 D.W.L.R.1308 (June 14,1990)

 

 

Decree of adoption terminates duty of naturalfather to support;claim for overpayment of support to

 

51

Court is barred by estoppelunder circumstances presented.

 

McALLISTER v. JENNINGS, Super. Ct. D.C., C.A. No. P-0644-82, April23, 1990. Opinion per Burnett, J. Sanford M  Speight with Arlene L. Robinson, Martin L. Grossman and Herbert 0. Reid for the Petitioner.  James W. Jennings, prose.

 

 

 

PARENT AND CHILD

CHILD SUPPORT

118 D.W.L.R.1149  (May 24,1990)

 

 

Court  exercises  discretion not  to follow child  support guidelines where  non-custodial parent  is supplementing college education costs  and custodial parent is receiving worker’s  compensation benefits which are tax-free.

 

BLAKE v. DORN, Super. Ct. D.C., Case No. DR0740-89R, April 9, 1990. Opinion per Burnett, J.  Michelle A. M.

Godette, Carol E. Burroughs and Herbert 0. Reid, Sr. for the Petitioner.   Willie Dom, prose.

 

 

 

DOMESTIC RELATIONS

RULE 11

118 D.W.L.R.1001 (May 8,1990)

 

 

Rule 11 motion is denied where non-resident respondent raised substantial jurisdictionalissue and that Court should not use guidelines to determine child support and should use net income, not gross income; reduced attorney  fees awarded despite failure  of petitioner to use the Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act [URESA].

 

 

COLE v. KINLEY, Super. Ct. D.C., Dom. Rei. No. Pl385-82, March 30, 1990.Opinion per Burnett, J. Robert C. Fisk

and Matthew Pavuk for the Petitioner. Paul D. Pearlstein for the Respondent.

 

 

 

CIVIL PROCEDURE

SEALED RECORDS

118 D.W.L.R.921 (Apr.27, 1990)

 

 

Judicial records in suit  by doctors to restore medicalprivileges at hospital are unsealed and made available to CorporationCounselfor use inD.C.Board of Medicineproceedings;records withpatients names redacted are to be made available to public.

 

SCOTT ,ET AL.v. THE WASHINGTON HOSPITAL CENTER, Super. Ct. D.C., C.A. No. l1174-82,March 14, 1990. Opinion per Burnett, J. Luis E. Rumbaut for District of Columbia.  Francis D. Carter for Dr. Richard N.Scott. Edward J. Krill and J. Joseph Barse for the Washington  Hospital Center. Robert F. Muse for Dr. John C. Norman.

 

 

 

PARENT AND CHILD

CUSTODY

118 D.W.L.R.637 (Mar.26,1990)

 

 

Legal custody awarded to mother  and temporary physicalcustody awarded to grandparents  where mother is presently suffering from mentalillness and where father has not shown by preponderance of evidence that children’s best interests would be served with custody  to him.

 

52

MOOREHEAD v. MOOREHEAD, Super. Ct. D.C., Domestic Case No. DR 1706-88C, December26, 1989. Opinion per Burnett,J. Michael Normile for the Plaintiff. Alice Sullivan and Deborah Barthel for the Defendant. Barbara L. Smith for the intervenors.

 

 

DOMESTIC  RELATIONS

MARITAL PROPERTY

118 D.W.L.R. 339  (Feb.16,1990)

 

 

Court determines party’s interest in maritalproperty and chil dsupport upon grant of absolute divorce.

 

 

FULLARD v. FULLARD, Super. Ct. D.C., No. DR1330-89, November?, 1989. Opinion per Burnett, J. Stephen M Salinger for Plaintiff. Aida Anderson for Defendant.

 

 

 

CRIMINAL LAW  & PROCEDURE

VERDICT

118 D.W.L.R. 209 (Jan. 31,1990)

 

 

Jury verdict may  not  be set aside because of change of heart  of juror about guilty verdict several weeks later.

 

 

UNITED STATES v. LUMPKINS, Super. Ct. D.C., Crim. No. F-1675-88, December 14, 1989. Opinion per Burnett, J. Wendy Wysong and Jay B. Stephens for the United States. William G. Dansie for the Defendant Benjamin Lumpkins.

 

 

 

DOMESTIC RELATIONS

SEPARATION AGREEMENT

118 D.W.L.R. 101  (Jan.16, 1990)

 

 

Former wife did not meet burden of showing changed circumstances that  would justify increase in child support where claim was based  primarily on husband’s  increased worth.

 

WEDDERBURN v. PLOSS,Super. Ct. D.C., C.A. No. D698-86, November22, 1989.Opinion per Bumett, J. Jonathan

M  Dana for Plaintiff, Daniel H. Wedderburn. Margaret A. Beller for the Defendan t Monique B. Wedderburn Ploss.

 

 

 

 

CRIMINAL LAW  & PROCEDURE

SEARCH WARRANT

117 D.W.L.R. 2497  (Dec.6,1989)

 

 

Officers executing search warrant were  not  “refused admittance” where  they waited five to seven seconds and heard no noise from inside house; motion to suppress evidence granted.

 

UNITED  STATES v. COOPER,  Su per. Ct. D.C., Crim. No. F-6109-88, October 31, 1989. Opinion per Burnett, J. Wendy Wysong and Jay B. Stephens for the United  States.  Arthur M  Reynolds, Jr. for the Defendant.

 

 

 

CRIMINAL LAW  & PROCEDURE

SEVERANCE

117 D.W.L.R. 2413 (Nov.24,1989)

 

 

Out-of-court statements by co-defendant that he is willing to plead guilty and accept responsibility for the offense is not basis for severance of co-defendant.

 

UNITED STATES  v. BRACE, ET AL., Super. Ct. D.C., Crim. Nos. F-1088-89, F-1089-89  & F-1090-89, October  4,

  1. 1 Opinion per Burnett,J. James F. Rutherford for the United States.DavidA. Reiser for the Defendant Gary Brace.
53

Daniel D. Ellenbogen for the Defendant Jertana M.Til lman. William Edmisten for the Defendant Courtney G. Williams.

 

CRIMINAL LAW & PROCEDURE

OPERATOR’S PERMIT

117 D.W.L.R.1749  {Aug.22,1989)

 

 

Defendant convicted of operating a motor vehicle after his permit had been revoked where he did not request a hearing and where he pleaded to felony.

 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA v. REYNOLDS, Super. Ct. D.C.,, Crim. No. Tl1871-87, May 31, 1989. Opinionper

Burnett,J. Anthony Gagliardi for the District of Columbia.  Margaret Anthony for Defendant.

 

 

 

LANDLORD AND TENANT

COSTS

117 D.W.L.R. 1385 (July G, 1989)

 

 

Landlord is awarded associated charges,interest at 24% per annum, and attorneys fees in suit  for possession.

 

 

LEHNDORFFU.S.A.(CENTRAL)LIMITED,£TAL.v.l33019THSTREETCORPORATION,Super.Ct.D.C.,L&T No. 29582-88, May 16, 1989. Opinion per Burnett,J.  Philip D. Bartz and Cathleen A. Massey for Plaintiffs. Michael E. Brand for Defendant.

 

 

 

CRIMINAL LAW & PROCEDURE

OWl

117 D.W.L.R.1017 (May 18,1989)

 

 

Post-trialmotion for judgment of acquittalis denied in charge of driving while under the influence of a drug {PCP);legaland evidentiary issues discussed.

 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA v. SELLERS, Super. Ct. D.C., Crim. No. T-3490-88, March 22, 1989. Opinion  per Burnett, J.  Mary Ann Rodgers with Beverly J. Burke, Samuel J. Flanagan and Frederick D. Cooke for the District of Columbia. Scott D. Arnopol for the Defendant

 

 

 

LANDLORD AND TENANT

POSSESSION

117 D.W.L.R. 841 (Apr.26,1989)

 

 

Tenant was entitled to redeem lease and landlord denied possession where tenant tendered amounts due and prior default was not willful, calculated, or persistent.

 

LEHNDORFFU.S.A.(CENTRAL)LIMITED, ET AL.v.1330 19TH STREET CORPORATION,Super. Ct. D.C., L&T No. 29582-88, January 26, 1989. Opinion per Burnett, J. Philip D. Bartz and Cathleen A. Massey for the Plaintiffs. Michael E. Brand for the Defendant                                                                                                                                                                            c

 

 

 

TRAFFIC REGULATIONS

COLLISION

117 D.W.L.R.105  (Jan.18,1989)

 

 

Traffic Adjudication Appeals Board decision is reversed where based on mere fact of collision being violation of traffic  regulation.

 

54

MALIK v. DISTRJCT OF COLUMBIA, Super. Ct. D.C., Crim. Div.,No. 843 470 574-88, December 1, 1988.Opinion per Burnett, J. Edward F. Kearney for Plaintiff. Talib Abdus-Shahid for District of Columbia.

 

 

 

CRIMINAL LAW & PROCEDURE

OPERATING MOTOR VEHICLE

116 D.W.L.R. 2369 (Nov.14,1988)

 

 

Person is “operating” motor vehicle for purpose of operating without license when seated in driver’s seat with car parked and keys ignition.

 

 

DISTRJCT OF COLUMBIA  v. ALSTON, Super. Ct. D.C., Crim. No. T-4440-88, September  23, 1988. Opinion per

Burnett, J.  Mary Ann Rodgers for the District of Colu mbia. Paul E. Nystrum, Jr. for the Defendant.

 

 

 

CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE

ENTRAPMENT

116 D.W.L.R. 2353 (Nov.10,1988)

 

 

Defense  of entrapment by estoppel to charges  of possession of pistol  and ammunition  without registration requires resolution by jury under circumstances presented.

 

DISTRICT  OF COLUMBIA v. ROWAN, Su per. Ct. D.C., Crim. No. 02437-88, Septem ber 16, 1988. Opinion per Burnett, J. Thomas Collier w ith Frederick D. Cooke, Jr. and Samuel J. Flanagan for the District of Columbia. Raoul L. Carroll and Joseph E. diGenova for the Defendant Carl T. Rowan, Sr.

 

 

 

EVIDENCE

ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGE

116 D.W.L.R. 2213 (Oct. 26,1988)

 

 

Former attorney may be compelled to te.;tify as to settlement of personalinjury lawsuit and produce original of check and settlement sheet because it is not subject to attorney-client privilege.

 

DISTRJCT OF COLUMBIA v.FORBES, Super. Ct. D.C., Crim. No. D0224-88, August 30, 1988. Opinion per Burnett, J.   Veronica A. Porter with Samuel J  Flanagan, William L. Davis and Frederick D. Cooke, Jr. for the District  of Columbia. Philip Clarke Baten for the Defendant.  Peter A. Chapin, prose for himself as subpoenaed witness.

 

 

 

CONSTITUTIONAL LAW

SUPREME COURT PLAZA

116 D.W.L.R.1881 (Sept. 12, 1988)

 

 

Supreme Court Plaza is not  a “public forum”; statute forbidding assemblages  on Supreme Court grounds is not unconstitutional.

 

UNITED  STATES v. CONNELLY, ET AL., Super.  Ct. D.C., Crim.  Nos. M1252-88.,  July 13, 1988.  Opinion per

Burnett, J. Richard L. Swick and Gene C. Schaerr for Defendants. John M Seabright for United States.

 

 

 

CRIMINAL LAW & PROCEDURE

DEFACING PUBLIC PROPERTY

116 D.W.L.R.1697  (Aug.17, 1988)

 

 

55

Throwing blood on White House violates statute (D.C.Code§ 22-3112.1) prohibiting defacing public property.

 

 

UNITED STATES v. BOHLKE, Super. Ct. D.C., Crim. No. Ml645-87, July 14, 1988. Opinion per Burnett, J.  Allie

Sheffield for Defendant. Thomas C. Buchanan for United States.

 

 

CRIMINAL LAW & PROCEDURE

TERRY STOP

116 D.W.L.R.1293  (June 23, 1988)

 

 

Motion denied to suppress bag,containing white powder,dropped by female defendant when asked to put hands  on police car as part of Terry stop.

 

UNITED STATES v. WHITE, Super.Ct. D.C., Crim. No. M-2523-88, May 27, 1988. Opinion per Burnett,J. Sharon

Sprague  with Katherine Winfree and Jay B. Stephens for United States.  Nathan I. Silver for Ms. Leola D. White.

 

 

 

CRIMINAL LAW & PROCEDURE

CAPITOL DEMONSTRATION

116 D.W.L.R.917  (May 5,1988)

 

 

Prosecution for  demonstration in  Capitol  Building does  not  require  showing that  defendants disrupted Congress.

 

UNITED  STATES  v. RUTHER,  ET AL., Super.  Ct. D.C., Crim. Nos. Ml5863-87, Ml5864-87, Ml5865-87 and Ml5866-87, March 17, 1988. Opinion per Burnett, J. John Gidez with Jay B. Stephens and Katherine Winfree  for United States.  Mark Goldstone for the Defendants.

 

 

 

CRIMINAL LAW & PROCEDURE

  • CARRYINGA DANGEROUS WEAPON

116 D.W.L.R. 817 (Apr.22,1988)

 

 

Defendant was not  entitled to dwelling house  exception  in carrying  a dangerous weapon  statute where he had no possessory interest in aunt’s residence where he stayed without paying rent.

 

 

UNITED STATES v. FORTUNE, Super. Ct. D.C., Crim. No. M-12341-87, March 16, 1988. Opinion per Burnett, J.

Gary Wheeler with Joseph diGenova and Katherine Winfree for United States.  Joyce Berman for the Defendant.

 

 

CRIMINAL LAW & PROCEDURE

SEARCH

116 D.W.L.R. 697 (Apr.7,1988)

 

 

Search incident to traffic violation was in violation of Fourth Amendment rights where only factor was furtive movement of driver.

 

UNITED STATES v. STRAUGHN, Super. Ct. D.C., Crim.No. Ml3339-87, March 7, 1988. Opinion per Burnett, J. Gary Wheeler with Joseph E. diGenova, Katherine Winfree and John P. Gidez for the United States. Shail/y Agnihotri

for the Defendant.

 

 

 

CRIMINAL LAW & PROCEDURE

BAIL

116 D.W.L.R.641 (Mar.31,1988)

 

 

 

56

Application to modify bailrequirement is denied where defendant had no ties to community and has not been candid  with Pre-trialService Agency.

 

UNITED STATES v. MORGAN, Super. Ct. D.C., Crim. No. M14937-87, January 21, 1988. Opinion per Burnett, J.

Katherine Winfree with Joseph E. diGenova for the United States. Richard  E. Holliday, Jr. for Defendant.

 

 

 

 

BUXBAUM, PAULs.                                                             Hearing Commissioner (1987-95)

 

 

 

 

CRIMINAL LAW & PROCEDURE

PREVENTIVE DETENTION

115 D.W.L.R. 1741 (Aug. 21, 1987) 3

 

 

Clear and convincing quantum of proof is necessary for preventive detention under D.C.Code § 23-

1325(a).

 

UNITED STATES v. COOPER, ET AL., Super. Ct. D.C., Crim. Nos. F-6808-87 and F-6809-87, July 2, 1987. Opinion per Buxbaum, Commissioner. Terence Keaney for United States. PaulS. Blumenthal for Defendant Cooper. Michael J McCarthy for Defendant Lyons.

 

 

 

 

 

BYRD, JERRY s.                                              Hearing Commissioner (1981-2002) Magistrate Judge  (2002-03)

Associate Judge (2003-)

 

 

 

 

 

CHILD SUPPORT

TERMINATION

129 D.W.L.R. 2397  (Dec.18, 2001)

 

 

D.C.Superior Court has jurisdiction to terminate its child support order based on emancipation of the child  although neither parent nor the child reside in D.C.

NEAL  v. McCRAY, Super. Ct. D.C., No. PS-638-96, September 26, 2001.    Opinion per Byrd, C.  C.J  Janus for

Plaintiff.

 

 

 

JUDGMENTS

 

RULE 60

129 D.W.L.R. 1029  (May 29,2001)

 

 

Party seeking to vacate judgment and quash writ of attachment is denied relief where she has not met requirements of Rule 60 for relief.

TERRACE MANOR LTD. PARTNERSHIPv. TILLERY, Super. Ct. No. SC-133-91, February 14,2001. Opinion per

Byrd, C.  C.B. Hane for Plaintiff.  H.A. Cramer and A.R. Marblestein-Deare, pro bono publico, for Defendant.

 

 

 

 

57

3   This was the ftrst opinion to be published by a D.C. Superior Court Hearing Commissioner.