Mills v. White et al

Filing 216

ORDER denying 207 Motion for Disbursement of Funds; denying 209 Motion for Extension of Time to Complete Discovery, and directing plaintiff to file a response to deft's motion for summary judgment within 15 days of the date of this Order. Signed by Magistrate Judge Jerome T. Kearney on 6/15/11. (kpr)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS
PINE BLUFF DIVISION
JON MILLS,
ADC #86911
v.

PLAINTIFF

5:05-cv-00304-BSM-JTK

DAVID WHITE, et al.

DEFENDANTS
ORDER

This matter is before the Court on Plaintiff’s Motions for Disbursement of Funds and for
Extension of Time to Complete Discovery (Doc. Nos. 207, 209). Defendant R. Bailey filed a
Response in Opposition (Doc. No. 210), and Plaintiff filed a Reply (Doc. No. 211).
In the Motion for Disbursement of Funds, Plaintiff asks the Court to approve the expenditure
of $700.00 for the purpose of obtaining an expert opinion on the Plaintiff’s claim: whether regularly
conducting strip searches in the recreation area of the Maximum Security Unit is an accepted
practice to maintain security, or a violation of Plaintiff’s fourth amendment rights. Plaintiff also
asks for an extension of time of the discovery deadline in which to obtain the expert opinion.
Defendant Bailey objects to both Motions in his Response, stating that an expert opinion is
not necessary, because the legality of the search at issue is a legal issue to be determined by the
Court. In support, Defendant cites cases holding that experts may not testify on issues of law. See
e.g., Nieves-Villanueva v. Soto-Rivera, 133 F.3d 92, 100 (1st Cir. 1997), and Berry v. City of
Detroit, 25 F.3d 1342, 1353 (6th Cir. 1994). Plaintiff also cites Peterson v. City of Plymouth, 60
F.3d 469, 475 (8th Cir. 1995), where the court held the trial court erred by admitting expert
testimony as to whether a police officer acted “reasonably” in a fourth amendment context.

1

In Reply, Plaintiff disagrees, stating the issue involved is fact-intensive, and that an expert
in correctional administration would be helpful in evaluating the Defendant’s policies and
procedures and comparing with correctional practices elsewhere.
The sole issue in this case is whether Defendant Bailey violated Plaintiff’s fourth amendment
right against unreasonable searches when he approved a search of Plaintiff in the prison yard as he
returned to his cell in administrative segregation. This Court originally granted summary judgment
in favor of Defendants and dismissed this action (Doc. No. 160). However, on appeal, the United
States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit reversed with respect to the claim against Defendant
Bailey, and remanded “for further factual development as to the scope of the searches and how they
were actually conducted.” (Doc. No. 172, p. 3, February 5, 2010). This Court finds that an expert
is not necessary to that directive and that additional delay accompanying the appointment of an
expert and extending discovery for his opinion also is not necessary. Defendant Bailey’s deposition
was taken and Plaintiff’s counsel toured the area of the Unit in question. (See Doc. No. 210).
Defendant also filed a Motion for Summary Judgment, to which Plaintiff should respond, without
further delay. Accordingly,
IT IS, THEREFORE, ORDERED that Plaintiff’s Motions for Disbursement of Funds and
Extension of Time to Complete Discovery (Doc. Nos. 207, 209) are DENIED.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Plaintiff shall file a Response to Defendant’s Motion for
Summary Judgment (Doc. No. 212) within fifteen days of the date of this Order.
IT IS SO ORDERED this 15th day of June, 2011.

______________________________________
JEROME T. KEARNEY
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
2