Van Pelt v. Skolnik et al

Filing 80

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS - Jury Trial (Day One) held on 3/26/2013 before Judge Howard D. McKibben. Crtrm Administrator: Paris Rich; Plaintiff's Counsel: Jeffrey Dickerson; Defendant's Counsel: Janet Traut and Cameron Vandenberg; Court Reporter: Kathryn French; Time of Hearing: 9:00 AM to 12:22 PM; Courtroom: 4; See attached Minutes and Orders. (Copies have been distributed pursuant to the NEF - PR)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF NEVADA
RENO, NEVADA

CARLA VAN PELT,
Plaintiff,
vs.
STATE OF NEVADA, ex rel, its
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS,
Defendant.

PROCEEDINGS:

)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
/

Case No.: 3:11-cv-00061-HDM-VPC

MINUTES OF COURT

March 26, 2013

JURY TRIAL - DAY ONE

PRESENT:
THE HONORABLE HOWARD D. McKIBBEN, SENIOR U.S. DISTRICT JUDGE
Deputy Clerk: Paris Rich

Reporter: Kathryn French

Counsel for Plaintiff: Jeffrey Dickerson, Esq.
Counsel for Defendant: Janet Traut, NV AG and Cameron Vandenberg, NV AG
At 9:00 a.m., the Court convenes.
Mr. Dickerson is present with the Plaintiff Carla Van Pelt.
Ms. Traut and Ms. Vandenberg are present on behalf of the Defendant State of Nevada, ex
rel, Its Department of Corrections with Deputy Director Sheryl Foster.
Counsel stipulate to the random draw procedure of jurors in this matter.
The Court preliminary addresses the pending motions in this matter.
The Court further presents the anticipated trial schedule for the week and counsel stipulate to
the seating of eight (8) final jurors.
The Court calls for the jury administrator and the prospective jurors.
At 9:05 a.m., thirty-three (33) prospective jurors enter the courtroom.
The Court presents opening remarks and summarizes this action. The Court further introduces
counsel, the parties, and addresses the parties’ anticipated witnesses. The voir dire oath is
administered and 14 prospective jurors are seated; voir dire proceeds.

VAN PELT vs. STATE OF NEVADA
March 26, 2013
3:11-cv-00061-HDM-VPC
Page 2 of 3
______________________________________________________________________________
At 10:14 a.m., the jury is passed for cause. Counsel exercise peremptory challenges.
At 10:24 a.m., a jury of eight (8) jurors are impaneled and sworn. The Court thanks and
excuses the remaining jurors.
The Court instructs the jury regarding the sequence of trial proceedings.
At 10:29 a.m., the jury is admonished and excused for a brief recess.
The Court reconvenes outside the presence of the jury with all parties present.
At 10:31 a.m., the Court recites findings with respect to the claims in the NERC charge. IT
IS ORDERED, the Plaintiff is precluded from presenting any evidence of the alleged one
incident of transmission of pornography which allegedly occurred during August of 2008.
The Court recites findings as to [77] the Plaintiff’s Motion for Reconsideration. IT IS
ORDERED, the Court reaffirms its previous Order and the Plaintiff’s [77] Motion for
Reconsideration is DENIED.
The Court RESERVES on the issue of what constitutes an adverse employment action.
At 10:39 a.m., the Court orders a brief recess.
At 10:54 a.m., the Court reconvenes outside the presence of the jury with all parties present.
Mr. Dickerson recites a stipulation of the parties into the record. The Court states it will
proceed with the trial and recites further statements. The Court, Mr. Dickerson and Ms.
Traut further confer. The Court confirms it will proceed with the trial and will further discuss
the matter with counsel following the opening statements and the jury’s release for the lunch
hour.
At 10:58 a.m., the jury enters the courtroom.
The Court advises the jury regarding the anticipated progression of the trial.
Mr. Dickerson presents opening statements on behalf of the Plaintiff.
Ms. Traut presents opening statements on behalf of the Defendant.
At 12:06 p.m., the jury is admonished and excused for a brief recess.
The Court reconvenes outside the presence of the jury with all parties present.

VAN PELT vs. STATE OF NEVADA
March 26, 2013
3:11-cv-00061-HDM-VPC
Page 3 of 3
______________________________________________________________________________
The Court addresses the parties’ proposed agreement and restates the same. The Court and
counsel confer.
The Court confirms the parties’ stipulation this date and restates that the only claim subject to
appeal from the Court’s [44] Order filed on September 21, 2012 will be the Plaintiff’s Title VII
gender discrimination claim based solely on what is set forth in the Plaintiff’s [20] Second
Amended Complaint filed on April 22, 2011. Further, in accordance with the parties’ stipulation
this date, all other claims shall be dismissed with prejudice. IT IS SO ORDERED.
Mr. Dickerson, on behalf of the Plaintiff, confirms his agreement and understanding. The
Plaintiff confirms her agreement and understanding.
Ms. Traut, on behalf of the Defendant, confirms her agreement and understanding. Ms. Foster,
as Defendant Representative, confirms her agreement and understanding.
The Court further confirms the parties will be bound by the aforementioned stipulated agreement.
The Court states if the parties desire to resolve their differences with respect to the remaining
Title VII gender discrimination claim, the Court will consider referral of the matter to the U.S.
Magistrate Judge for that purpose.
The Court further states it will hold in abeyance the entry of a Judgment in this matter, until such
time as the parties have a reasonable opportunity to resolve the sole remaining claim.
At 12:15 p.m., the jury enters the courtroom.
The Court recites explanatory statements to the jury and the parties’ recent stipulation this date.
The Court thanks and excuses the jury.
IT IS ORDERED, the entry of a Judgment in this matter shall be held in abeyance pending
the Court’s notification by counsel, no later than Monday, April 1, 2013, regarding any
request for referral to the U.S. Magistrate Judge for purposes of a settlement conference.
At 12:22 p.m., the Court adjourns.
LANCE S. WILSON, CLERK

By: /s/ Paris Rich
Deputy Clerk