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Civil Rights
Police Misconduct
Defamation

James Hopko, Robert and Ellen Nichols, Meridian Arms Corporation, et al. v. City of Los Angeles, et al.

Published: Jan. 8, 1994 | Result Date: Dec. 22, 1993 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: NCC031332B –  $0

Judge

Charles W. Stoll

Court

L.A. Superior Glendale


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Christopher F. Denove

John D. Rowell
(JDR Law Inc.)


Defendant

Robert A. Seeman


Experts

Plaintiff

Stanley Kephart
(technical)

Defendant

Michael Soderberg
(technical)

Facts

On April 10, 1986, at midnight, the Palamino Club in North Hollywood called the Defendant Los Angeles police regarding possible men with a gun, allegedly disturbing the peace. Plaintiffs Robert B. Nichols, a 43-year-old entrepreneur, and his brother-in-law, Plaintiff James Hopko, a 34-year-old disabled man, were taken into police custody. Plaintiff Nichols had a valid concealed-weapons license from Santa Clara County and an out-of state drivers license.

Settlement Discussions

Defendants contend there were no settlement discussions prior to the second trial; just before the second trial, Plaintiff demanded $1,000,000 and Defendants made no offers.

Injuries

This was a bifurcated trial, tried on liability only -- no injuries or damages were introduced.

Other Information

The first trial of this issue ended in a mistrial. This case was arbitrated prior to this trial and Plaintiffs were awarded $2,900,000 by arbitrator John B. Cairns; trial de novo by Defendants.

Deliberation

5 hours

Poll

10-2, 9-3

Length

11 days


#88229

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