W.H. et al v Olympia School District et al

Filing 93

ORDER Denying Plaintiffs' 89 Motion for Priority Trial Date, signed by Judge Benjamin H. Settle. (GMR)

Case 3:16-cv-05273-BHS Document 93 Filed 03/15/21 Page 1 of 2

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
WESTERN DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON
AT TACOMA

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CASE NO. C16-5273 BHS

W.H., et al.,
Plaintiffs,

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v.

ORDER DENYING PLAINTIFFS’
MOTION FOR PRIORITY TRIAL
DATE

OLYMPIA SCHOOL DISTRICT, et al.

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Defendants.

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This matter comes before the Court on Plaintiffs’ motion for a priority trial date.
Dkt. 89.
Plaintiffs originally filed their complaint on April 8, 2016, and trial is currently set

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for February 15, 2022. Plaintiffs argue that good cause exists for the Court to prioritize

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Plaintiffs’ trial date due to Plaintiffs’ severe injuries, the delays in this case due to

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appeals, and the length of time from the filing of their complaint to the current trial date.

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The Court understands the frustration arising from the delay in trial but denies

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Plaintiffs’ motion. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all civil trials are being conducted

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virtually, and no criminal trial has occurred in the past year. Defendants do not appear to

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consent to a virtual trial, and criminal matters will be prioritized once in-person trials

ORDER - 1

Case 3:16-cv-05273-BHS Document 93 Filed 03/15/21 Page 2 of 2

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resume in the District. “A district court has inherent power to control the disposition of

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the causes on its docket in a manner which will promote economy of time and effort for

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itself, for counsel, and for litigants.” CMAX, Inc. v. Hall, 300 F.2d 265, 268 (9th Cir.

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1962). The February 15, 2022 trial date remains the most efficient date for the Court.

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Plaintiffs’ motion for priority trial date, Dkt. 89, is therefore DENIED.

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IT IS SO ORDERED.

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Dated this 15th day of March, 2021.

A

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BENJAMIN H. SETTLE
United States District Judge

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ORDER - 2