Stokes v. Byars

Filing 164

ORDER denying 149 MOTION for Protective Order Concerning Discovery Issues filed by Sammie Louis Stokes. Signed by Magistrate Judge Shiva V Hodges on 10/19/2017. (mwal)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA
Sammie Louis Stokes,
Petitioner,
vs.
Bryan P. Stirling, Director, South
Carolina Department of Corrections;
Joseph McFadden, Lieber Correctional
Institution,
Respondents.

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C/A No.: 1:16-845-RBH-SVH
DEATH PENALTY CASE

ORDER

Sammie Louis Stokes (“Petitioner”), an inmate at the Lieber Correctional
Institution of the South Carolina Department of Corrections, filed this petition for a writ
of habeas corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254. [ECF Nos. 22, 51, 75].1 This matter has
been assigned to the undersigned pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b) and Local Civ. Rule
73.02(B)(2)(c) (D.S.C.). This matter is before the court on Petitioner’s motion for a
protective order prohibiting Assistant Attorney General Anthony Mabry from defending
the deposition of Thomas Sims. [ECF No. 149].2 Having been fully briefed [ECF Nos.
157, 162], the motion is ripe for disposition.

1

The entirety of the habeas corpus petition was filed in three separate parts for the
following reasons: Petitioner first filed a habeas corpus petition to properly comply with
28 U.S.C. § 2251 and have his execution stayed by this Court. [See ECF Nos. 8, 22].
Thereafter, Petitioner filed a memorandum in support of his petition. [See ECF No. 51].
Finally, following his counsel’s Martinez investigation, Petitioner filed a supplemental
petition to raise additional grounds that had not been previously raised in state court.
[See ECF No. 75].
2
Mr. Mabry has not made a notice of appearance in this case and the court strongly
suggests that he do so prior to further participation in this case.

The deposition of Mr. Sims began on September 14, 2017. In the motion,
Petitioner’s counsel alleges Mr. Mabry inappropriately interrupted her questioning of Mr.
Sims by insisting to see the document that was the subject of the questioning. [ECF No.
149 at 3].3 Petitioner’s counsel states she felt she had no choice but to adjourn the
deposition prematurely because Mr. Mabry continued to interrupt her and to insist to see
the document as counsel attempted to question the witness. Id. In response, Respondents
argue that Petitioner failed to comply with Local Civ. R. 30.04(H) and allege Petitioner’s
counsel improperly made statements or suggestions to the witness.
The question before the court is limited in scope: Whether Mr. Mabry’s conduct
during the deposition of Mr. Sims was so egregious that he should be prohibited from
participating in a reconvened deposition of Mr. Sims. Petitioner cites no authority for the
proposition that Mr. Mabry should be prohibited from participating in the deposition of
Mr. Sims or any other witness. The undersigned has reviewed all of the materials
submitted by both parties, including the audio recording of the deposition, and declines to
order the relief Petitioner seeks.
The court reminds all counsel that they are bound by Local Civ. R. 30.04 (D.S.C.),
which governs conduct during depositions. In addition, counsel are instructed in the
future to contact the court to resolve issues that arise during depositions to prevent any
further unnecessary delay in these proceedings.
3

Petitioner alleges, and Respondents do not dispute, that Petitioner’s counsel showed Mr.
Mabry a copy of the document before she began questioning Mr. Sims on the document.
[ECF No. 149 at 3]. Although this is not clear from the audio recording, Mr. Mabry made
an objection on the record to the use of the document prior to the questioning, so it
appears he was familiar with the document.
2

IT IS SO ORDERED.

October 19, 2017
Columbia, South Carolina

Shiva V. Hodges
United States Magistrate Judge

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