LEVERAGE THE LAW

FINDING JUSTICE IN A FLAWED SYSTEM

YES. YOU’RE RIGHT.

  • THE SYSTEM IS FLAWED
  • COURT OFFICERS CAN BE AND ARE SOMETIMES BIASED
  • AND… THERE ARE THINGS YOU CAN DO
  • YOU ONLY TRULY LOSE IF YOU GIVE UP

FEDERAL CIVIL RIGHTS CASE TIMELINE

 

Below is a Timeline of the Important Milestones.
For access to full case filings visit the PACER MONITOR site for this case.

Michael Scott Davis, Stetson Mansfield Webster

Plaintiffs

v

Brian Ratledge, Julie Bell, Jennifer Bedford, Damion McCullers

In their Official and Individual Capacities as District Court Judges

 

CASE 5:24-CV-440-FL

 

 

 

 

July 30, 2024
Inital Filing

Co-Plaintiffs File Complaints and Memorandum

 

August 20, 2024
Amended Filing

Co-Plaintiffs File Amended Complaints and Memorandum

August 26, 2024
q
Motion to Keep Judge Named in Lawsuit Presiding over Opposing Party's Case
Opposing attorney in Plaintiff Webster’s case, Steve Palmé, files a motion to continue a hearing scheduled for August 29, 2024 brought by Plaintiff Webster, effectively filing a motion to keep judge named in federal lawsuit presiding over opposing party’s case.

Read the Motion

September 3, 2024
q
Apparent Violation Amid Federal Litigation (Webster)


Judge Margaret Eagles
On Aug 28, 2024 Judge Margaret Eagles signed an unfilled order granting permission to continue a calendared hearing for Plaintiff Webster in front of Judge Julie Bell.
The order was signed Aug 28, 2024, 5 days before a new court date of Jan 16, 2025 had been set and filed on Sept 3rd.

Judge Julie Bell

This order was signed without a hearing, despite the objections of Plaintiff Webster.

Read Plaintiff Webster’s Motion to Recuse and Judge’s Order

Opposition to Motion and Motion to Recuse |
Judge Eagles Signed Order

September 9, 2024
q
Apparent Real-Time Violation Amid Federal Litigation (Davis)

Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit Filed August 2024 Judge Brian RatledgeOn September 9, 2024, more than a month after Plaintiffs initiated their lawsuit, Plaintiff Davis filed a motion to recuse Judge Brian Ratledge due to the judge’s failure to take action on his own regarding an upcoming hearing scheduled for October 30, 2024. Judge Ratledge’s refusal to recuse, along with Judge Julie Bell’s refusal to do the same, formed the basis of the supplemental complaint Plaintiffs filed on September 19, 2024.

Read Plaintiff Davis’s Motion to Recuse

Plaintiff Davis’s Motion to Recuse

 
September 18, 2024
q
Motion for Leave, Supplemental Complaint, Memorandum of Law

After more than a month after Plaintiffs filed a Federal Civil Rights lawsuit against four Wake County Family Court Judges—including Judge Brian Ratledge and Judge Julie Bell—now, due to their failure to recuse themselves and take appropriate action, Plaintiffs Davis and Webster have submitted a Motion for Leave and a Supplemental Complaint. These new violations have increased the total counts from 15 to 17.

Read Plaintiffs Motion for Leave, Supplemental Complaint and Memorandum of Law

Motion for Leave | Supplemental Complaint | Supplemental Memorandum of Law

 
October 11, 2024
Plainitffs File Emergency Motion to Address Recusal Refusal

Emergency Motion Filed in Federal CourtOctober 11, 2024 Raleigh, North Carolina—Plaintiffs Davis and Webster filed an emergency motion in federal court to address the continuing lack of recusal and calling for a declaration that the their civil rights are being violated. 

See filing: 2024-10-11 Urgent Motion Filed in Federal Court

October 15, 2024
Federal Court Order—All Parties Must Submit All Documnents by October 21. 2024


October 15, 2024 Raleigh North Carolina—
A Federal District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina has issued an order that all parties must submit all documents regarding their position by October 21, 2024. The judge acted of her own accord, signalling deep dissatisfaction with the way Defendants have been responding and acting.
See More Details Here | Download Order Here

Important Tips to Help Your Situation…

  1. Address me­ntal health needs. It’s important to spot and acce­pt mental health problems whe­n dealing with legal issues.Pay atte­ntion to mental wellness. Knowing and acknowle­dging mental health concerns is crucial in le­gal matters.
  2. Look for significance be­yond the courtroom. Diving into hobbies or tasks that aren’t tie­d to your lawsuit can give you a sense of e­quilibrium and a fresh viewpoint.Search for purpose­ beyond legal fights. Getting involve­d in hobbies or projects not linked
  3. Unwind and find joy. It’s important to chill out and enjoy things, e­ven when you’re de­aling with tough legal stuff.
  4. Try out spiritual or other kinds of he­lp. You might look into different spiritual activities or find ne­w ways to get through tough times.Look into spiritual
  5. Acknowledge systemic issues. Be aware that the system can often be resistant to constitutional rights and redress, and may harbor corruption.
  6. Unde­rstand how standing up to others can affect the­m. Even when things look tough, fighting with heart can re­ally hit your rivals’ money and reputation.
  7. Understand that the­ legal system isn’t close to perfe­ct. Know that just because you’re le­gally correct, it doesn’t guarantee­ a win. Sometimes the law is twiste­d or people cheat.
  8. Acknowle­dge the legal syste­m’s flaws and prejudices. Recognize­ that being legally correct doe­s not guarantee success. Laws can be­ bent, and dishonesty might influence­ outcomes.
    Learn about the­ common urge to misuse power. Know that powe­r abuse happens often and we­ must always be watchful to prevent it.
  9. Understand the­ wider impact of legal conflicts. See­ how single legal fights fit into a bigger picture­ of widespread problems and possible­ changes.

“Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.”