Snyder v. Phelps et al

Filing 190

ORDER re financial records. Signed by Judge Richard D Bennett on 10/19/07. (c/m 10/22/07 jnl, Deputy Clerk)

Snyder v. Phelps et al

Doc. 190

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF MARYLAND ALBERT SNYDER, Plaintiff, v. FRED W. PHELPS, SR., et al., Defendants. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Civil Action No. RDB-06-1389

ORDER The Plaintiff has previously noted a document request with respect to the financial records of Westboro Baptist Church, Inc. and Fred W. Phelps, Sr. (See Paper No. 130.) The Plaintiff has proffered the relevancy of these documents in his claim for punitive damages. This Court has previously ruled that these financial records are not discoverable unless and until the jury makes a finding of the Plaintiff's entitlement to damages. Accordingly, consistent with this Court's previous ruling, the Defendants Westboro Baptist Church, Inc. and Fred W. Phelps, Sr., shall submit the requested documents in camera under seal to this Court. Those documents shall be submitted under oath of Fred W. Phelps, Sr., and the corporate representative of Westboro Baptist Church, Inc. attesting to the accuracy of these records. In the event that the jury renders a verdict in favor of the Plaintiff and indicates the entitlement of the Plaintiff to punitive damages, these documents will be released for review by the Plaintiff and introduction as evidence before the jury for its subsequent determination as to damages. /s/ Richard D. Bennett United States District Judge

Dated: October 19, 2007

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