Apparent Due Process Violation Amid Federal Litigation (Webster)

Family Court Judge Julie Bell

Chief District Court Judge Margaret Eagles

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

Why This Raises Significant Concerns:

• Violation of State and Federal Law: Filling in the hearing date without a hearing, despite the objection of Plaintiff Webster and amidst an ongoing federal lawsuit where Judge Bell is a named defendant, may violate state and federal due process requirements. This action could transgress the tenets under 18 U.S.C. § 242 and other relevant laws.
• Lack of Finality: Signing an order without a specified date creates uncertainty and lacks finality. An order is intended to be a clear directive from the court. Leaving the date blank opens the door to misuse or misinterpretation if filled in later without proper notice.
• Opportunity for Manipulation: By leaving the date open, there is a risk it could be filled in later without judicial oversight or input from the parties involved, undermining the judicial process’s integrity.
• Due Process Violation: The date was filled without a hearing, despite Plaintiff Webster’s objection, which could constitute a due process violation. All parties have the right to be heard on matters that impact their case, especially when objections are raised.
• Lack of Fairness: Proceeding without a hearing, despite an objection, denies the objecting party the chance to present their arguments. This can create the impression of bias or a predetermined outcome, eroding trust in the judicial process.

Read the Motion to Recuse and Judge’s Order

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