Summary
reducing award against plaintiffs whose claims were frivolous in light of their limited financial resources and defendant's "enormous" resources
Summary of this case from Crews v. Cnty. of NassauOpinion
00 Civ. 5780 (LAK)
November 3, 2003
ORDER
Following this Court's determination that defendants were entitled to recover attorney's fees under 42 U.S.C. § 1988, the matter was referred to Magistrate Judge Francis for a determination of the amount. In a report and recommendation dated October 7, 2003, Judge Francis recommended an award of $30,000 against plaintiffs, jointly and severally. Plaintiffs object, raising a host of jurisdictional and procedural points, many of which this Court rejected previously. Defendants have not objected.
The Court again has reviewed plaintiffs' plethora of jurisdictional and procedural objections and found them to be without merit. Indeed, while the Court is not inviting yet another round of sanctions litigation, it is clear that at least the bulk of these objections verge on the irresponsible. The objections all are overruled.
In view of the lack of any objection by the defendants to the recommended amount of the award, the Court declines to examine that issue.
Defendants' motion for an award of attorneys' fees pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1988 is granted to the extent that they shall have judgment against plaintiffs, jointly and severally, in the amount of $30,000. Upon entry of judgment, the Clerk shall close the case.
SO ORDERED.