Anthony R. Wilson, II v. Blake Sellers, et al.

Summary

The United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois partially grants and partially denies Anthony R. Wilson II’s motion to subpoena witnesses. The Court authorizes issuance of a subpoena for previously dismissed Defendant Jeff C. Connor, while denying the request as to other individuals because Plaintiff did not explain the relevance of their testimony, and advises Plaintiff regarding service and witness-fee responsibilities.

Holdings

1. Under Local Rule 45.1(b), a pro se party seeking to issue a subpoena must complete the relevant form and file a motion addressing the relevance of the proposed witness's testimony to the claims or defenses at issue.
2. The subpoena for Jeff C. Connor should issue because his testimony could be relevant to Plaintiff's claims.
3. The request was properly denied because Plaintiff did not explain the relevance of the remaining witnesses' testimony.
4. Plaintiff remains responsible for serving the subpoena under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 45 and for paying associated witness-related costs, despite his indigent status.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Plaintiff satisfied the requirements for issuance of subpoenas by addressing the relevance of the proposed witnesses' testimony.
2. Whether the court should issue a subpoena for previously dismissed Defendant Jeff C. Connor.
3. Whether the court should issue subpoenas or provide additional blank forms for the remaining proposed witnesses.

Disposition

other