Deen v. Clairday Food Service Enterprises

Filing 64

ORDER granting in part and denying in part 58 Motion in Limine; granting in part and denying in part 60 Motion in Limine, as set forth in this Order. Signed by Judge James M. Moody on 5/10/12. (kpr)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS
WESTERN DIVISION
JERRY DEEN
V.

PLAINTIFF
4:10CV01160 JMM

CLAIRDAY FOOD
SERVICE ENTERPRISES

DEFENDANT
ORDER

The Court has reviewed the parties’ motions in limine (ECF No. 58 and 60) and their
responses. The Court finds as follows:
A.

Plaintiff’s Motion

1.

The Court will hear arguments outside the jury’s presence on the issue of
Plaintiff’s social security disability payments and their relevance. The parties are
directed to refrain from referring to Plaintiff’s receipt of social security disability
benefits until the Court has ruled on the issue.

2.

The motion is moot as to evidence of past altercations between Plaintiff and Greg
or Bob Clairday.

3.

The motion is denied as to Plaintiff’s past use of FMLA leave. The evidence
related to Plaintiff’s past use of FMLA leave is relevant and admissible.

4.

The motion is moot as to exhibits that purport to state the law.

5.

The motion is moot as to commentary on witnesses not called by the Plaintiff.

B.

Defendant’s Motion

1.

The motion is granted as to Bob Clairday’s statement about re-hiring the Plaintiff.
The Court does not find the statement relevant to the perceived value of Plaintiff

as an employee, to Defendant’s bias, or to the nature of the Defendant’s financial
hardship. The evidence is not relevant to the issues remaining in the case.
2.

The motion is granted in part and denied in part as to evidence related to buyouts
or retirement plans of other Clairday Food Services employees. Plaintiff may
testify that he had an impression or belief that similar agreements existed between
the Defendant and other employees. Plaintiff may not, however, quote what other
employees told him about their agreements.

3.

The motion is denied as to Plaintiff’s testimony regarding his health. Plaintiff can
testify to his personal knowledge of the effects of diabetes and gastric bypass
surgery. He can testify that he consulted physicians before making the decision to
undergo surgery and state his reasons for making the decision. The Court will
consider the admissibility of further testimony on the issue, if necessary, at trial.

4.

The motion is moot as to evidence that Plaintiff was guaranteed employment with
the Defendant.

5.

The motion is granted as to evidence of the personal financial condition, wealth or
net worth of Bob Clairday and Greg Clairday unless the Defendant raises the
issue at trial.
IT IS SO ORDERED this 10th day of May, 2012.

________________________________
James M. Moody
United States District Judge