Klayman v. Judicial Watch, Inc. ( 2009 )

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
LARRY KLAYMAN,
Plaintiff,
Civil Action No. 06-670 (CKK)
v.
JUDICIAL WATCH, INC., et al.,
Defendants.
MEMORANDUM OPINION
(June 25, 2009)
Currently pending before the Court is Plaintiff Larry Klayman’s (“Klayman”) Objections
to Magistrate Judge Alan Kay’s March 24, 2009 [301] Memorandum Opinion and [302] Order,
which granted Defendants’ [218] Motion for Sanctions for Plaintiff’s Failure to Comply with
Court Order and prohibits Plaintiff from testifying to or introducing into evidence any documents
in support of his claims for damages or in support of his defenses to Defendants’ counterclaims.
In addition, Klayman has also moved for disqualification of Magistrate Judge Kay. Although
Klayman does not specify, it appears that he argues Magistrate Judge Kay should be disqualified
pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 455(a), which requires a federal judge to recuse himself “in any
proceeding in which his impartiality might reasonably be questioned.” Klayman’s motion
appears to principally assert that Magistrate Judge Kay’s rulings in this case, as well as his
alleged “liberal” political views, create an appearance of bias that requires recusal. Upon
searching consideration of Klayman’s Objections, Defendants’ Opposition, Klayman’s Reply, the
relevant case law, and the entire record herein, the Court concludes that: (a) Plaintiff’s request
that this Court disqualify Magistrate Judge Kay is DENIED, as the Court concludes that recusal
is neither required nor warranted; and (b) Klayman’s Objections [304] to Magistrate Judge Kay’s
March 24, 2009 Memorandum Opinion and Order must be OVERRULED, and Magistrate Judge
Kay’s [302] Order shall be AFFIRMED accordingly.
I. BACKGROUND
The Court shall assume familiarity with the numerous opinions issued by both this Court
and Magistrate Judge Kay, which set forth in detail the factual background and allegations of this
case, and shall therefore provide only a brief summary of the instant case as is necessary to
provide context for resolution of Klayman’s objections now before the Court. See Klayman v.
Judicial Watch, Inc., Civil Action No. 06-670, 2007 WL 140978 (D.D.C. Jan. 17, 2007);
Klayman v. Judicial Watch, Inc., Civil Action No. 06-670, 2007 WL 1034936 (Apr. 3, 2007);
and Klayman v. Judicial Watch, Inc., Civil Action No. 06-670, 2007 WL 1034937 (Apr. 3, 2007)
(hereinafter “Klayman I”). Defendant Judicial Watch, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization formed
under the laws of the District of Columbia and headquartered in the District of Columbia.
Klayman I, 2007 WL 1034937, *2. Defendant Fitton is President of Judicial Watch, Defendant
Orfanedes is the Secretary and a Director of Judicial Watch, and Defendant Farrell is a Director
of Judicial Watch. Id. Plaintiff Larry Klayman is the self-described founder and former
Chairman, General Counsel and Treasurer of Judicial Watch, who resides in and practices law in
the State of Florida. Id. Klayman, an attorney, is currently representing himself pro se in this
matter.
Klayman’s Second Amended Complaint and Judicial Watch’s Amended Counterclaim in
this action include various legal claims stemming from events that occurred after Klayman left
Judicial Watch in September 2003. Id. Many of these claims arise out of the Severance
2
Agreement entered into by Klayman and Judicial Watch on September 19, 2003. Id. The Court
need not address the specifics of the parties’ claims at this time, other than to note that, inter alia,
Klayman asserts claims against the Defendants under the Lanham Act for unfair competition in
the form of false advertising and false endorsements and for breach of contract relating to the
Severance Agreement. 2d Am. Compl. ¶¶ 97-106; 115-162. Judicial Watch asserts
counterclaims against Klayman under the Lanham Act for trademark infringement, unfair
competition in the form of false advertising and false association, and cybersquatting. Am.
Count. ¶¶ 84-116.
On December 3, 2007, this Court referred the instant case to Magistrate Judge Kay for
disposition of all pending and future discovery-related motions pursuant to Local Civil Rule
72.2(a). See Docket No. [85]. As is relevant to Klayman’s Objections, on November 2, 2007,
Defendants served on Klayman their Supplemental Requests for Production of Documents. See
3/12/08 Mem. Order, Docket No. [117], at 4. Klayman’s responses were due on December 6,
2007. Id. No responses were provided by that date, however, and on December 17, 2007,
counsel for Defendants sent a letter to then-Plaintiff’s counsel indicating that they would file a
motion to compel unless they received the documents by December 19, 2007. Id. On December
18, 2007, Klayman served Responses on Defendants, in which he asserted various objections and
claims of privilege, but did not provide any documents responsive to Defendants’ Supplemental
Requests or provide a privilege log substantiating his claims of privilege. Id. at 4-5. On January
9, 2008, Defendants again warned Klayman that they would file a motion to compel if they did
not receive responsive documents. Id. at 5. Klayman failed to produce the documents, and
Defendants filed a motion to compel on February 6, 2008. Id. at 5; Defs’ Suppl. Requests Mot.
3
to Compel, Docket No. [106-2]. Specifically, Defendants requested that Magistrate Judge Kay
compel Klayman to produce materials responsive to document requests nos. 1-57 and 60, and
also requested that Klayman be required to pay the fees and costs incurred by Defendants in
filing their motion to compel. 3/12/08 Mem. Order at 5. Each of the document requests at issue
relate, in large part, to Defendants’ counterclaims, and many also relate to Klayman’s claims for
damages. See id. at 8, 9.
On March 12, 2008, Magistrate Judge Kay granted Defendants’ motion as to all but one
document request. See 3/12/08 Order, Docket No. [117]. Because the document requests sought
relevant information and Klayman had not adequately demonstrated that the requests were
improper, Magistrate Judge Kay ordered Plaintiff to supplement his responses to the documents
within ten days. Id. at 11. In addition, Magistrate Judge Kay granted Defendants’ request for
monetary sanctions, awarding Defendants costs and attorneys’ fees.1 Id. at 12. Klayman filed
objections to the Order, see Docket No. [125], which were overruled by this Court, see Docket
No. [167]. Magistrate Judge Kay’s March 12, 2008 Memorandum Order was therefore affirmed
in its entirety. See id.Thereafter, on July 7, 2008, Magistrate Judge Kay held a Status Conference after the
scheduled close of discovery to address any outstanding discovery issues. On July 9, 2008,
Magistrate Judge Kay issued an Order addressing all such remaining discovery issues and
memorializing the schedule set during the Status Conference. See 7/9/08 Order, Docket No.
[200]. As Magistrate Judge Kay noted in his July 9, 2008 Order, “Plaintiff represented [at the
1
Magistrate Judge Kay separately awarded Defendants the requested monetary sanctions
in an order dated July 1, 2008. See Docket No. [199].
4
July 7, 2009 Status Conference] that he will be able to provide [the] documents [sought by
Defendants] to Defendants by July 25, 2008.” Id. at 2. Magistrate Judge Kay further stated that
“[t]he Court cautions Plaintiff to be mindful of this deadline, as further noncompliance with his
discovery obligations will expose him to risk of sanctions.” Id. Klayman, however, failed once
again to produce the responsive documents to Defendants.
Thereafter, on August 12, 2008, Defendants filed a motion requesting that Klayman be
precluded from testifying or admitting any purported evidence in support of any of his alleged
claims for damages or in support of his alleged defenses to Defendants’ counterclaims as a
sanction for his failure to produce the requested discovery as required by Magistrate Judge Kay.
See Defs.’ Mot. for Pl.’s Failure to Comply with Court Order, Docket No. [218]. Significantly,
Klayman did not respond to Defendants’ motion for sanctions nor did he produce the requested
documents. 3/24/09 Mem. Op. at 6. Indeed, as of March 24, 2009—more than six months after
Klayman’s opposition to Defendants’ motion would have been due—Klayman had yet to respond
in anyway to either Defendants’ motion for sanctions or the outstanding document requests.2
Consequently, Magistrate Judge Kay issued a Memorandum Opinion and Order, dated March 24,
2009, treating Defendants’ motion as conceded pursuant to LCvR 7(b). Id. at 7. Magistrate
Judge Kay nonetheless proceeded to consider the substantive merits of Defendants’ request for
sanctions and reviewed in detail the procedural history surrounding Defendants’ outstanding
document requests. See generally id. Magistrate Judge Kay ultimately concluded that
2
In the intervening time period, pursuant to this Court’s previous scheduling order, the
parties each filed their motions for summary judgment on November 25, 2008. See Docket Nos.
[266], [267], [268], [269], [270], [275]. Accordingly, Defendants were required to file their
motions for summary judgment and respond to Klayman’s partial motion for summary judgment
without the requested documents.
5
Klayman’s failure to produce the relevant material severely prejudiced both the Defendants and
the judicial system, and that Klayman, in refusing to comply with the Court’s discovery orders,
acted willfully and with full knowledge that his actions were not in accordance with the Federal
Rules and Magistrate Judge Kay’s orders. Id. at 8-9. As prior attempts to ensure Klayman’s
compliance through application of the lesser sanction of monetary costs and fees had proved
fruitless, Magistrate Judge Kay granted Defendants’ request to prohibit Klayman from testifying
or introducing into evidence any documents in support of his claims for damages or in support of
his defenses to Defendants’ counterclaims. Id. at 9. Klayman now objects to this Order.
II. LEGAL STANDARD AND DISCUSSION
As discussed above, Klayman has combined his objections to Magistrate Judge Kay’s
March 24, 2009 Order with a request to disqualify Magistrate Judge Kay. The Court shall begin
first by addressing Klayman’s request to disqualify Magistrate Judge Kay before than turning to a
discussion of the March 24, 2009 Order and consideration of Klayman’s objections to that ruling.
A. Disqualification of Magistrate Judge Kay is Neither Appropriate or Necessary
As stated above, Klayman has moved for disqualification of Magistrate Judge Kay.
Although Klayman does not specify the legal authority for this request, it appears that he
contends that Magistrate Judge Kay should be disqualified pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 455(a).3
Under section 455(a), a litigant is permitted to seek recusal of a federal judge “in any proceeding
in which his impartiality might reasonably be questioned.” 28 U.S.C. § 455(a). In assessing
3
Specifically, Klayman asserts that he “moves to disqualify the Magistrate Judge on the
same grounds” upon which he previously moved to disqualify this Court. Pls.’ Objs. at 2.
Reference to Klayman’s motion to disqualify this Court shows that Klayman sought recusal
under 28 U.S.C. § 455(a). See Pl.’s Mot. for Recusal and/or Disqualification, Docket No. [298],
at 1.
6
section 455(a) motions, the D.C. Circuit applies an “objective” standard: “Recusal is required
when ‘a reasonable and informed observer would question the judge’s impartiality.’” S.E.C. v.
Loving Spirit Found. Inc., 392 F. 3d 486, 493 (D.C. Cir. 2004) (quoting United States v.
Microsoft Corp., 253 F.3d 34, 114 (D.C. Cir. 2001), cert. denied, 534 U.S. 952 (2001))). Here,
although Klayman’s briefing is far from a model of clarity, it appears that he alleges two sources
of bias that he contends would cause a “reasonable and informed observer” to question
Magistrate Judge Kay’s impartiality. First, Klayman asserts that various rulings by Magistrate
Judge Kay create an appearance of bias against him. Pl.’s Objs. 1-4. Second, Klayman argues
that Magistrate Judge Kay should be disqualified because of his alleged political background. Id.
at 3-4; Pl.’s Reply at 4-5. The Court shall address each in turn.4
Before doing so, however, the Court notes that Klayman makes his request to disqualify
Magistrate Judge Kay for the first time before this Court. Although neither party has raised this
4
Klayman also states that his motion to disqualify Magistrate Judge Kay incorporates by
reference all arguments asserted in his separately-filed motion to recuse this Court, Docket No.
[298]. See Pl.’s Objs. at 2 (“Plaintiff incorporates by reference the recusal and disqualification
motion of the trial judge and respectfully moves to disqualify the Magistrate Judge on the same
ground.”). However, as the D.C. Circuit has emphasized, “[r]ecusal is a highly personal
decision.” Liberty Lobby, Inc. v. Dow Jones & Co., Inc., 838 F.2d 1287, 1301 (D.C. Cir. 1988).
It is therefore unclear to the Court how arguments relating to an apparent bias on the part of this
Judge would also be relevant to a motion to recuse Magistrate Judge Kay. Nonetheless, to the
extent Klayman has incorporated any such arguments, they fail for the same reasons set forth in
the Court’s Order, issued today, denying Klayman’s motion to recuse this Court.
In addition, the Court notes that, in his instant Objections, Klayman has made various
allegations that appear to be directed towards this Judge as well as towards Magistrate Judge
Kay. In particular, Klayman repeats his argument, asserted initially in his separate Motion to
Recuse and/or Disqualify this Court, see Docket No. [298], that this Court must be disqualified
based on the fact that it was appointed by the former Clinton administration. Again, the Court
has, by separate order issued today, denied Klayman’s motion seeking to recuse this Court,
finding that recusal is not warranted, justified or necessary.
7
issue, it is not entirely clear whether the request for disqualification is therefore properly before
this Court. As the D.C. Circuit has observed, “[r]ecusal is a highly personal decision.” Liberty
Lobby, Inc. v. Dow Jones & Co., Inc., 838 F.2d 1287, 1301 (D.C. Cir. 1988). A motion to recuse
pursuant to section 455(a) requires that a “judge must assess the truth of the facts alleged and
determine if they would impeach his impartiality.” Id. It is therefore “not a decision that an
appellate panel may make for a district court judge in the first instance.” Id. Rather, “[i]t is for
the district court judge to decide as an initial matter whether he will . . . step aside in favor of
another judge.” Id. at 1302. Here, Klayman seeks an order from this Court disqualifying
Magistrate Judge Kay without first providing the Magistrate Judge with an opportunity to
evaluate the request himself. The D.C. Circuit’s opinion in Liberty Lobby would therefore seem
to counsel against considering Klayman’s request without first providing Magistrate Judge Kay
the opportunity to “assess the truth of the facts alleged and determine if they would impeach his
impartiality or appearance of impartiality.” Id. at 1301.
In this case, however, it is readily apparent upon review of Klayman’s briefing that he
has, in fact, failed to set forth any specific facts or evidence supporting his request to disqualify
Magistrate Judge Kay. Rather, Klayman’s request is based solely on his own unfounded
speculation and his evident displeasure with certain unfavorable rulings. The Court therefore
concludes that, in this particular circumstance where Klayman has failed to allege any specific
facts supporting his request to recuse, there is no benefit—to either this Court or to Magistrate
Judge Kay—in requiring Klayman to first raise his request for disqualification before the
Magistrate Judge. Quite simply, the Court sees no need to provide Magistrate Judge Kay with an
opportunity to first “assess the truth of the facts alleged,” when no such facts have even been
8
alleged. Accordingly, the Court shall proceed to the merits of Klayman’s assertion that
Magistrate Judge Kay must be disqualified pursuant to section 455(a).5
1. Klayman’s Dissatisfaction with Magistrate Judge Kay’s Rulings Does Not
Warrant Disqualification
Klayman broadly alleges that various rulings by Magistrate Judge Kay have created an
appearance of bias against him. At the outset, the Court emphasizes that, although Klayman
complains generally of Magistrate Judge Kay’s decisions on several issues, he fails to provide
any citations to the specific rulings that he believes are evidence of bias. Rather, Klayman makes
a variety of unsupported, conclusory statements attacking unspecified decisions by Magistrate
Judge Kay. See, e.g., Pl.’s Objs. at 3 (alleging without support that Magistrate Judge Kay “acted
capriciously and unreasonably and contrary to established precedent”); id. at 4 (alleging without
support that ruling by Magistrate Judge Kay “is contrary to accepted practice and legal norms”).
The D.C. Circuit has counseled, however, that “[a] judge should not recuse himself based upon
conclusory, unsupported or tenuous allegations.” See In re Kaminski, 960 F.2d 1062, 1065, n. 3
(D.C. Cir. 1992) (per curium); see also Ivey v. Nat’l Treasury Employees Union, Civ. Act. No.
05-1147, 2008 WL 4091676, *1 (D.D.C. Sept. 4, 2008) (“general and conclusory” statements are
insufficient to support a motion for recusal). For this reason alone, then, Klayman’s arguments
are insufficient to warrant disqualification.
More importantly, it is evident upon review of Klayman’s briefing that his arguments
5
The Court notes that this is not the first time Klayman has moved this Court to remove
Magistrate Judge Kay from this case. See Pl.’s Mot. to Reassign Case to Magistrate Judge
Facciola on Discovery and Related Issues, Docket No. [217]. The Court denied that motion by
Order dated August 25, 2008, concluding that Klayman’s allegation that Magistrate Judge Kay
had taken sides in favor of Defendants was “entirely devoid of merit.” See Docket No. [227], at
2.
9
aimed at Magistrate Judge Kay’s rulings in this case are simply based on his disagreement with
decisions unfavorable to him. Discovery in this case has been contentious and, in the three years
since Klayman filed his complaint in this matter, Magistrate Judge Kay has issued more than fifty
orders. Unsurprisingly, not all rulings have been in Klayman’s favor. The fact that Klayman
remains displeased with Magistrate Judge Kay’s rulings, however, is not sufficient to support
disqualification. As the Supreme Court has made clear, “judicial rulings alone almost never
constitute a valid basis for a bias or partiality motion.” Liteky, 510 U.S. at 555. Rather, judicial
rulings by themselves “cannot possibly show reliance upon an extrajudicial source; and can only
in the rarest circumstances evidence the degree of favoritism or antagonism required . . . when no
extrajudicial source is involved.” Id. Therefore, dissatisfaction with a court’s rulings “almost
invariably” provides a proper ground for appeal—not for recusal. Id. In this case, Klayman has,
in fact, exercised his right to appeal in almost every instance, objecting to virtually all substantive
discovery orders issued by Magistrate Judge Kay. See Docket Nos. [99], [103], [123], [125],
[154], [162], [172], [173], [175], [176], [203], [215], [254], [255]. This Court, after carefully
reviewing the challenged rulings, affirmed each of them in all respects, finding them
well-reasoned and well-supported by the record. The Court specifically considered and rejected
each of Klayman’s Objections to Magistrate Judge Kay’s rulings, and found neither factual nor
legal error on Magistrate Judge Kay’s part. See Docket Nos. [134], [167], [183], [184], [185],
[189], 8/7/08 Minute Order, [261], [262]. Plaintiff’s continuing displeasure with Magistrate
Judge Kay’s rulings simply does not establish bias on the part of Magistrate Judge Kay,
10
particularly where this Court has upheld without exception Magistrate Judge Kay’s rulings.6 “[I]f
disqualification were required ‘merely as a result of counsel’s disagreement with judicial
conclusions reached in the course of litigation, the judicial system would grind to a halt.” Loving
Spirit Found., 392 F.3d at 494 (quoting Barnett v. City of Chicago, 952 F. Supp. 1265, 1269
(N.D. Ill. 1998)).
Klayman also appears to take issue with the tone or words used by Magistrate Judge Kay
in certain instances, broadly complaining that Magistrate Judge Kay has evidenced a “hostile”
attitude and has “show[n] animus toward him.” Pl.’s Reply at 3. Klayman, however, has—once
again—failed to direct the Court to any evidence supporting this claim nor is the Court itself
aware of any such evidence. Moreover, such a complaint does not demonstrate bias. As the D.C.
Circuit has explained, “[s]harp words spoken by a trial court to counsel do not by themselves
establish impermissible bias. There is a modicum of quick temper that must be allowed even
judges.” United States v. Lawson, 494 F.3d 1046, 1055 (D.C. Cir. 2007) (quoting United States
v. Donato, 99 F.3d 426, 434 (D.C. Cir. 1996)); see also Liteky, 510 U.S. at 555-56 (“Not
establishing bias or partiality, however, are expressions of impatience, dissatisfaction,
annoyance, and even anger.”) (emphasis in original). The Court therefore concludes that
Magistrate Judge Kay’s rulings do not warrant disqualification.
6
Despite Klayman’s focus on those decisions issued by Magistrate Judge Kay ruling
against Klayman, the Court notes that Magistrate Judge Kay ruled in favor of Klayman with
respect to at least one discovery dispute (and that this Court affirmed his ruling in that respect
over Defendants’ objections), and further notes that Magistrate Judge Kay has granted Klayman a
number of extensions and continuances over Defendants’ objections. See, e.g., Docket No. [167]
(overruling Defendants’ Objections to Magistrate Judge Kay’s March 12, 2008 Memorandum
Opinion); see also 3/13/08 Minute Order (granting, over Defendants’ objections, Klayman’s
request to continue his deposition); 8/13/08 Minute Order (granting Klayman’s request to reset
certain depositions over Defendants’ objections).
11
2. Disqualification Based on Magistrate Judge Kay’s Alleged Political
Background is Not Warranted Either
Klayman next argues that recusal is necessary because of Magistrate Judge Kay’s alleged
political background and beliefs. Specifically, Klayman alleges that “Magistrate Judge Kaye
[sic] [] is quite liberal and a Democrat,” and that an appearance of bias therefore exists against
Klayman, who is a self-described “conservative public interest advocate.” Pl.’s Reply at 4. Once
again, Klayman has failed to cite any facts or evidence in support of his claims. See generally id.
However, even assuming that Magistrate Judge Kay is a “liberal” and/or a “Democrat,” these
facts by themselves do not warrant disqualification. “Judges generally have political
backgrounds to one degree or another but must be presumed, absent more, to be impartial. At
least in the federal system, judges separate themselves from politics when going on the bench,
and their life tenure reduces any felt reliance on political patrons.” MacDraw, Inc. v. CIT Group
Equip. Fin., Inc., 138 F.3d 33, 38 (2d Cir. 1998), cert. denied, 525 U.S. 874 (1998) (rejecting
Plaintiff’s7 allegation that recusal is warranted based upon judge’s alleged political affiliation).
Cf. Karim-Panahi, 2004 WL 1588167, * 4 (affirming lower court’s denial of motion for recusal
based on allegations that the judge was “biased because of her ‘political-religious connections’
and her alleged loyalty to those who selected, confirmed and appointed her”). Accordingly, it is
clear that, even if true, the mere fact that Magistrate Judge Kay may be a Democrat and/or have a
liberal political background does not warrant or require recusal.
7
The Court notes that Klayman was counsel of record for Plaintiff in the MacDraw case.
See 138 F.3d at 35.
12
3. Klayman’s Unsupported Allegations Attacking the Court’s Integrity Are
Wholly Inappropriate
Finally, the Court notes that, throughout Klayman’s Objections, he has made various
unsupported, unsubstantiated, and highly insulting allegations accusing this Court and Magistrate
Judge Kay of colluding together to intentionally deny Klayman his fair day in court. For
example, Klayman has accused this Court and Magistrate Judge Kay, without any support, of
“work[ing] in tandem [to] destroy[] the independence of the Magistrate Judge and trial judge
review process.” Pl.’s Objs. at 2. Klayman has also brazenly alleged—again without any
evidentiary or factual support—that this Court and Magistrate Judge Kay are “in obvious league”
together and have worked to “‘cleverly’ prevent[] Plaintiff from having [certain discovery] issues
heard by the appellate court.” Id. at 3. He also accuses both this Court and Magistrate Judge
Kay of “effectively [throwing] [Plaintiff’s motion] into the trash;” of ordering discovery as “‘pay
back’ to Plaintiff for his public interest efforts;” and of “allow[ing] this case to be transformed
from a commercial dispute into a sleazy divorce action” as “apparent pay back.” Pl.’s Reply at 2,
4. Still yet, Klayman asserts that “this court and the magistrate-judge has [sic] brow-beaten and
punished Plaintiff.” Id. at 5. These allegations have each been made by Klayman based solely
on his own reckless and unfounded speculation without citation to any facts or evidence. It is
patently clear that such conclusory and unjustified allegations are wholly insufficient to warrant
recusal. See In re Kaminski, 960 F.2d at 1065, n. 3; see also Ivey, 2008 WL 4091676, *1.8
8
Based on these allegations, Klayman requests “an evidentiary hearing concerning the
communications between the Magistrate Judge and the trial judge in drafting, formulating and
issuing the Memorandum Opinion and Order that are being appealed herein,” as well as “the
production of email and evidence of other communications between the two offices.” Pl.’s Objs.
at 2. Noticeably, Klayman has failed to identify a single case authorizing the type of discovery
he now demands, which is not surprising considering the rather extraordinary relief he requests.
13
The Court, however, is concerned by the increasingly uncivil tone exhibited in Klayman’s
most recent filings, culminating in his wildly speculative attacks on the integrity of both this
Court and Magistrate Judge Kay. The Court is aware that Klayman apparently “has a history of
accusing judges of bias or prejudging cases.” Macdraw, Inc. v. CIT Group Equip. Fin., Inc., 994
F. Supp. 447, 459 (S.D.N.Y. 1997) (sanctioning Klayman, as counsel of record, for
unprofessional comments in connection with a request for recusal and citing cases in which
Klayman, acting as counsel of record, filed similar motions seeking to disqualify the presiding
court based upon the trial judge’s alleged bias). Indeed, in this case alone, Klayman has now
brought two motions seeking removal of Magistrate Judge Kay and one motion seeking recusal
of this Court, and has unnecessarily repeated the unfounded allegations asserted therein in
substantive briefing. See Pl.’s Mot. to Reassign Case to Magistrate Judge Facciola on Discovery
and Related Issues, Docket No. [217]; Pl.’s Mot. for Recusal and/or Disqualification, Docket No.
[298]; Plaintiff’s Objs., Docket No. [304]; Second Affidavit of Larry Klayman, Docket No.
[288]. These filings are marked by an uncivil tone that is simply unacceptable. The Court
therefore places Klayman on notice that it shall not tolerate an inappropriate and uncivil tone in
the future. Klayman is capable of submitting filings that are both appropriate and civil.
B. Magistrate Judge Kay’s March 24, 2009 Memorandum Opinion and Order are
Well-Supported and Well-Reasoned, and Shall be Affirmed in Their Entirety
The Court now turns to Klayman’s Objections to Magistrate Judge Kay’s March 24, 2009
Memorandum Opinion and Order. Upon a searching review of that Memorandum Opinion and
More importantly, as stated above, Klayman’s allegations upon which this request is based are
grounded in nothing more than unfounded speculation. The Court therefore denies Klayman’s
unsupported and unprecedented request for discovery.
14
Order, as well as Klayman’s Objections, Defendants’ Opposition thereto, Klayman’s Reply, and
the initial briefing regarding the underlying motions, the Court concludes that Klayman’s
Objections [304] for the reasons stated below.
1. Legal Standard for Review of Klayman’s Objections Pursuant to LCvR
72.2(b)
Under Local Civil Rule 72.2(b), “[a]ny party may file written objections to a magistrate
judge’s ruling under [Local Civil Rule 72.2(a)] within 10 days[.]” LCvR 72.2(b). Local Civil
Rule 72.2(b) further provides that “[t]he objections shall specifically designate the order or part
thereof to which objection is made, and the basis for the objection.” Id. Pursuant to Local Civil
Rule 72.2(c), “a district judge may modify or set aside any portion of a magistrate judge’s order
under this Rule found to be clearly erroneous or contrary to law.” See also Fed. R. Civ. P. 72(a)
(“The district judge in the case must consider timely objections and modify or set aside any
portion of the [magistrate judge’s] order that is clearly erroneous or is contrary to law.”)
(emphasis added). A court should make such a finding when “‘on the entire evidence’ the court
‘is left with the definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been committed.’” Neuder v.
Battelle Pac. Northwest Nat’l Lab., 194 F.R.D. 289, 292 (D.D.C. 2000) (quoting United States v.
U.S. Gypsum Co., 333 U.S. 364, 365 (1948)); see also Gluck v. Ansett Australia, 204 F.R.D. 217,
218 (D.D.C. 2001). In light of this standard, the Court reiterates that “[p]arties must take before
the magistrate, not only their best shot, but all of their shots.” Borden v. Sec’y of Health &
Human Servs., 836 F.2d 4, 6 (1st Cir. 1987).
15
2. Klayman Has Not Demonstrated that Magistrate Judge Kay’s March 24,
2009 Memorandum Opinion and Order are Clearly Erroneous or Contrary
to the Law
The Court notes at the outset—as it has with respect to each of Klayman’s previous
Objections to Magistrate Judge Kay’s rulings in this case—that Klayman’s Objections fail to
“specifically designate” the parts of Magistrate Judge Kay’s Memorandum Opinion and Order to
which Klayman objects or provide “the basis,” i.e., any legal authority, for specific objections, as
required by Local Civil Rule 72.2(b). See generally Pl.’s Objs., Docket No. [304]. Klayman’s
Objections do not provide this Court with any analysis or discussion of Magistrate Judge Kay’s
ruling, let alone provide any specific designation of the portions of Magistrate Judge Kay’s ruling
to which Klayman objects. Klayman’s objections are similarly devoid of any citation to
supporting case law, and certainly do not provide the Court with sufficient legal authority or
“basis” to support his objections, as required under local rules. Accordingly, Klayman’s
objections are, once again, in direct violation of the local rules of this Court. Klayman’s
continued failure to conform his Objections to the requirements of the local rules of this
Court—despite the Court’s repeated admonishment to Klayman that his objections are in
violation of LCvR 72.2(b)9—is yet another example of Klayman’s disregard for this Court and its
Orders.
Moreover, because Klayman failed to file any opposition to Defendants’ motion for
sanctions below (despite having more than six months in which to do so), Klayman raises all of
his arguments against Defendants’ motion for the first time before this Court. As explained
9
See, e.g., 5/12/08 Order, Docket No.[167], at 4 (advising Klayman that his objections to
failed to comply with LCvR 72.2(b)); 5/28/08 Order, Docket No. [183], at 4 (same); 11/6/08
Order, Docket No. [261], 4-5 (same); 11/6/08 Order, Docket No. [262], at 4-5 (same).
16
above, however, the “[p]arties must take before the magistrate, not only their best shot, but all of
their shots.” Borden, 836 F.2d at 6. “[A] motion for reconsideration is ‘not simply an
opportunity to reargue facts and theories upon which the court has already ruled.’” Globalaw Ltd.
v. Carmon & Carmon Law Off., 452 F. Supp. 2d 1, 59 (D.D.C. 2006) (quoting United States v.
Funds from Prudential Sec., 245 F. Supp. 2d 41, 44 (D.D.C. 2003)). “Nor is it ‘a vehicle for
presenting theories or arguments that could have been presented earlier.’” Id. (quoting Funds
from Prudential Sec., 245 F. Supp. 2d at 38). As Defendants note, Klayman’s arguments quite
clearly could have been presented earlier to the Magistrate Judge and are therefore an improper
basis for Klayman’s objections. See Defs.’ Opp’n at 5. The Court concludes that Klayman has
therefore waived his arguments to Defendants’ motion requesting sanctions. Marshall v. Chater,
75 F.3d 1421, 1426-27 (10th Cir. 1996) (“Issues raised for the first time in objections to the
magistrate judge’s recommendation are deemed waived.”).
Nonetheless, the Court finds that, even if it were to consider Klayman’s objections—to
the extent he actually makes any substantive arguments—the Court would conclude that his
objections are wholly without merit. Indeed, Klayman’s objections offer no reason to conclude
that Magistrate Judge Kay’s March 24, 2009 Memorandum Opinion and Order are clearly
erroneous or contrary to law. As Magistrate Judge Kay explained, Rule 37 of the Federal Rules
of Civil Procedure provides that a court may sanction a party that fails to obey a discovery order.
See 3/24/09 Mem. Op. at 6 (citing Fed. R. Civ. P. 37). Specifically, Rule 37(b)(2)(A) provides
that, “if a party . . . fails to obey an order to provide or permit discovery, including an order made
under [Rule 37(a)] . . . the court in which the action is pending may issue further just orders.”
This includes an order “prohibiting the disobedient party from supporting or opposing designated
17
claims or defenses, or from introducing designated matters into evidence,” or “striking pleadings
in whole or in part.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 37(b)(2)(A)(ii)-(iii). Significantly, Klayman has made no
effort to dispute Magistrate Judge Kay’s findings: (1) that Klayman repeatedly failed to comply
with the discovery orders requiring him to produce documents responsive to Defendants’s
discovery requests, despite the fact that he “sought, and was repeatedly provided, more than
adequate time to produce the required discovery documents,” see 3/24/08 Mem. Op. at 5-6, 8;
and (2) that he has not, to date, produced any documents responsive to Defendant’s discovery
requests, id. See generally Pl.’s Objs. Indeed, even now, Klayman makes no effort to comply
with Magistrate Judge Kay’s discovery orders, as affirmed by this Court, and in fact makes no
representation that he will at any point make any efforts to produce the responsive documents at
issue. See generally Pl.’s Objs. Accordingly, it is beyond dispute that Magistrate Judge Kay was
well within his discretion to sanction Klayman.
The only question then is whether the sanction ordered by Magistrate Judge Kay is
appropriate in this case. Magistrate Judge Kay ruled that Klayman is “prohibited from testifying
to or introducing into evidence any documents in support of his claims for damages or in support
of his defenses to Defendants’ counterclaims.” 3/24/09 Mem. Op. at 9. In so doing, Magistrate
Judge Kay observed that, “[w]hile the sanction of barring certain testimony and evidence from
admission is generally not as severe as the sanction of a default judgment, the sanctions that will
be applied here may go to the heart of Plaintiff’s claims and defenses.” Id. at 7. In such a
situation where a more serious sanction is contemplated, the D.C. Circuit has advised a trial court
to consider “three basic justifications that support the use” of a more severe sanction, such as a
default judgment: “(1) a determination that ‘the errant party’s behavior has severely hampered
18
the other party’s ability to present his case’; (2) ‘the prejudice caused to the judicial system where
the party’s misconduct has put an intolerable burden on a district court by requiring the court to
modify its own docket and operations in order to accommodate delay’; and (3) ‘the need to
sanction conduct that is disrespectful to the court and to deter similar misconduct in the future.’”
Perez v. Berhanu, 583 F. Supp. 2d 87, 90-91 (D.D.C. 2008) (quoting Webb v. District of
Columbia, 146 F.3d 964, 971 (D.C. Cir. 1998)). Finally, while the D.C. Circuit does “not require
a district court . . . to exhaust lesser sanctions before turning” to a more severe sanction, the
Circuit does “require that the court explain its reasons for issuing [the more severe sanction]
rather than a lesser sanction.” Webb, 146 F.3d at 971.
Here, Magistrate Judge Kay properly applied D.C. Circuit precedent and concluded that
the sanction requested by Defendants was appropriate. Significantly, Klayman, in his
Objections, does not make any attempt to dispute the Magistrate Judge’s findings that: (1)
Klayman’s “conduct has severely prejudiced Defendants by preventing them from reviewing any
documentary evidence relating to Plaintiff’s damages or alleged counterclaims,” id. at 8; (2)
Klayman’s “conduct throughout this case, and particularly with respect to his recalcitrance to
provide any discovery in response to the instant discovery requests, has burdened the Court,” id.
(emphasis in original); and (3) Klayman “has acted willfully and with full knowledge that his
actions were not in accordance with the Federal Rules and this Court’s orders,” and has
“repeatedly failed to meet” his obligations to a party before the Court, id. at 9. See generally
Pls.’ Objs. Nor does Klayman contest Magistrate Judge Kay’s conclusion, based on the record in
this case, that “[p]rior attempts to alter Plaintiff’s behavior with the lesser sanction of monetary
costs and fees have proved fruitless,” id. at 9. See generally id. Klayman thus points to no
19
factual or legal error in the March 24, 2009 Memorandum Opinion and Order, which the Court
concludes is amply supported by the record in this case.
Rather, Klayman simply repeats his argument that the underlying discovery, which relates
in part to his claims for damages, is improper. These arguments, however, have already been
rejected by both Magistrate Judge Kay and this Court. Indeed, Klayman filed a petition for a writ
of mandamus with the D.C. Circuit requesting the Circuit compel the “preservation and
prevention of the production of certain documents . . . requested by [Defendants] and ordered to
be produced . . . by Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly.” See Docket No. [224-2] at 2. The D.C.
Circuit denied Klayman’s petition, as well as his motion for rehearing en banc. See In re
Klayman, No. 08-5128 (D.C. Cir. Jul. 25, 2008) (denying Klayman’s petition for mandamus)
(per curiam); id. (D.C. Cir. Sept. 10, 2008) (denying Klayman’s motion for rehearing en banc)
(per curiam). It is therefore evident that Klayman, like all litigants, has had an opportunity to
appeal the discovery orders at issue. Having failed to receive a favorable decision, however,
Klayman may not simply ignore his obligations without repercussion. See, e.g., Weisberg v.
Webster, 749 F.2d 864, 872 (D.C. Cir. 1984) (finding that trial court was within its discretion to
dismiss case as sanction for party’s “willful” failure to timely comply with court’s discovery
orders).
In addition, Klayman, seemingly conceding that some sanction is warranted in this
circumstance, argues that Magistrate Judge Kay should have instead “issued a civil contempt
finding,” which, according to Klayman, would then permit him to appeal the underlying
discovery issues directly to the D.C. Circuit. Pl.’s Obj. at 3. Klayman wildly speculates that the
Magistrate Judge declined to do so only in a “clever[]” ploy to “prevent[] Plaintiff from having
20
the issues heard by the appellate court.” Id. As an initial matter, Klayman failed to file an
opposition to Defendants’ motion for sanctions below and so never requested that Magistrate
Judge Kay issue a civil contempt order as an alternative sanction. Moreover, a “district court[]
[has] discretion whether to hold a party who refuses to comply with a discovery order in civil or
criminal contempt.” In re Sealed Case No. 98-3077, 151 F.3d 1059, 391 (D.C. Cir. 1998); see
also Beecham v. Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, 424 F.3d 1109, 1112 (D.C. Cir.
2005) (“District courts can impose any number of sanctions besides contempt when a party fails
to comply with a discovery order.”). Magistrate Judge Kay was therefore well within his
discretion in choosing not to issue a civil contempt order in this case. More importantly,
however, Klayman’s argument is predicated on an incorrect statement of the law in this Circuit.
Contrary to Klayman’s assertions, the D.C. Circuit has made clear that “a civil contempt order
against a party in a pending proceeding is not appealable as a final order.” Byrd v. Reno, 180
F.3d 298, 302 (D.C. Cir. 1999); see also Beecham, 424 F.3d at 1112 (“The law of this circuit
now is that ‘a civil contempt order against a party in a pending proceeding is not appealable as a
final order under 28 U.S.C. § 1291.’”) (quoting Byrd, 180 F.3d at 302)). Klayman’s assertion is
thus neither supported by the record or by the case law of this Circuit.
The Court concludes that Magistrate Judge Kay’s March 24, 2009 Memorandum Opinion
and Order granting Defendants’ [218] Motion for Sanctions for Plaintiff’s Failure to Comply
with Court Order is well-reasoned, thorough, and supported by the record, and shall be affirmed
as a result. The Court shall therefore overrule Plaintiff’s Objections to Magistrate Judge Kay’s
[301] March 24, 2009 Memorandum Opinion and [302] Order, and affirm that Memorandum
Order in its entirety.
21
IV. CONCLUSION
For the reasons set forth above, the Court shall DENY Plaintiff’s request to disqualify
Magistrate Judge Kay, shall OVERRULE Plaintiff’s [304] Objections to Magistrate Judge Alan
Kay’s March 24, 2009 Memorandum Opinion and Order, and shall AFFIRM Magistrate Judge
Kay’s March 24, 2009 Memorandum Opinion and Order in its entirety. An appropriate Order
accompanies this Memorandum Opinion.
Date: June 25, 2009
/s/
COLLEEN KOLLAR-KOTELLY
United States District Judge
22