Higgins v. Morris et al

Filing 172

ORDER DENYING 170 Letter Motion for Sanctions ( Advisory regarding mediation due by 8/21/2023.)(Signed by Judge Drew B Tipton) Parties notified.(KelliePapaioannou, 2)

United States District Court
Southern District of Texas

ENTERED
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS
HOUSTON DIVISION
LAWRENCE HIGGINS,
Plaintiff,
VS.
RICHARD MORRIS, ERNEST
NAVARRETE and DELETA JONES,
Defendants.

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July 21, 2023
Nathan Ochsner, Clerk

Civil Case No. 4:13-CV-02419

ORDER
On March 19, 2023, this Court entered an order setting this case for trial. The Order
directed the parties to engage in mediation or a settlement conference before June 30,
2023. The parties met to discuss settlement, but the plaintiff was dissatisfied with the
settlement offer. He filed a letter motion seeking sanctions or a default judgment,
contending that the defendants did not negotiate in good faith.
The fact that the parties have very different views of the settlement value of this
case does not mean that either party is not acting in good faith. Higgins identifies no
grounds for the imposition of sanctions or a default judgment. His motion (Dkt. No. 170)
is DENIED.
The parties are strongly encouraged to engage in mediation. The parties will each
file an advisory within 30 days to inform the Court if they are willing to participate in
mediation. If all parties are agreeable, the Court will make an appropriate referral.
It is SO ORDERED.

Signed on July 20, 2023.

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DREW B. TIPTON
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

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