ZAVODNIK et al v. JOVEN et al

Filing 24

Entry Denying Motion to Alter or Amend Judgment - In short, the plaintiffs have failed to show that the dismissal of this action was improper. Accordingly, the motion to alter or amend judgment [dkt 21 ] is denied. (See Entry.) Copy to Plaintiff's via U.S. Mail. Signed by Judge Tanya Walton Pratt on 1/11/2017. (JLS) Modified on 1/11/2017 (JLS).

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF INDIANA
INDIANAPOLIS DIVISION

TATIANA ZAVODNIK,
GERSH ZAVODNIK,
Plaintiffs,
vs.
JAMES JOVEN Judge,
KIM D. MATTINGLY,
Defendants.

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No. 1:16-cv-00626-TWP-MPB

Entry Denying Motion to Alter or Amend Judgment
This action was dismissed for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. The
plaintiffs’ motion to alter or amend the dismissal of this action was filed within 28 days of the date
judgment was entered in this action. It is therefore treated as a motion to amend judgment pursuant
to Rule 59 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
“Rule 59(e) allows a court to amend a judgment only if the petitioner can demonstrate a
manifest error of law or present newly discovered evidence.” Heyde v. Pittenger, 633 F.3d 512,
521 (7th Cir. 2011) (internal quotation omitted); United States v. Resnick, 594 F.3d 562, 568 (7th
Cir. 2010). “A manifest error is not demonstrated by the disappointment of the losing party. It is
the wholesale disregard, misapplication, or failure to recognize controlling precedent.” Oto v.
Metropolitan Life Ins. Co., 224 F.3d 601, 606 (7th Cir. 2000) (internal quotations omitted). “Relief
under Rules 59(e) and 60(b) are extraordinary remedies reserved for the exceptional case….”
Foster v. DeLuca, 545 F.3d 582, 584 (7th Cir. 2008).

The motion to alter or amend has been fully considered. This action was dismissed because
it was brought against state court judges for actions taken in their judicial capacities. In such
circumstances, judicial officers are entitled to absolute judicial immunity. See Stump v. Sparkman,
435 U.S. 349, 359 (1978). The plaintiffs assert, among other things, that this ruling amounted to
an error of law and that the defendants are not entitled to judicial immunity in that many their
actions were taken outside of their judicial capacity. But a review of the complaint and the motion
to set aside reveals that the claims are related to proceedings in state court, filings in state court,
and proceedings supplemental. The plaintiffs assert that defendant Mattingly harassed and
threatened them both in and outside of the courtroom. Even taking these allegations as true and
even assuming that these actions took place outside of court proceedings, the plaintiffs still have
failed to state a claim. This is because verbal abuse, harassment, and unprofessional conduct do
not rise to the level of a constitutional violation for which relief may be granted in a civil rights
case. See DeWalt v. Carter, 224 F.3d 607, 612 (7th Cir. 2000) (citing Patton v. Przybylski, 822
F.2d 697, 700 (7th Cir. 1987). The use of racially derogatory language, while unprofessional and
deplorable, does not violate the Constitution. Id.
In short, the plaintiffs have failed to show that the dismissal of this action was improper.
Accordingly, the motion to alter or amend judgment [dkt 21] is denied.
IT IS SO ORDERED.

Date: 1/11/2017
Distribution:
Tatiana Zavodnik
Gersh Zavodnik
9750 E. 25th St. #318
Indianapolis, IN 46229