LEVERAGE THE LAW
FINDING JUSTICE IN A FLAWED SYSTEMYES. 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
Information & Resources
FEDERAL CIVIL RIGHTS CASE TIMELINE
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
NO 5:24-CV-440-FL
Below is a Timeline of the Important Milestones.
For access to full case filings visit the PACER MONITOR site for this case.
Co-Plaintiffs File Complaints and Memorandum
Co-Plaintiffs File Amended Complaints and Memorandum
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
On August 28, 2024 Judge Margaret Eagles issued an order granting permission to continue a calendared hearing for Plaintiff Webster in front of Judge Julie Bell.
The order was signed August 28, 2024, 5 days before the new date of January 16, 2025 had been set and filed on September 3rd.
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
On 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
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
Important Tips to Help Your Situation…
- 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.
- 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
- Unwind and find joy. It’s important to chill out and enjoy things, even when you’re dealing with tough legal stuff.
- 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
- Acknowledge systemic issues. Be aware that the system can often be resistant to constitutional rights and redress, and may harbor corruption.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. - 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.”
—Thomas Jefferson
Source: https://rotunda.upress.virginia.edu/founders/TSJN.html