Strandell v. Jackson County, Illinois

Citation. 838 F.2d 884 (7th Cir. 1987)

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Citation838 F.2d 884 (7th Cir. 1987)

Brief Fact Summary.

Strandell’s attorney appealed a judgment holding him in contempt for refusing to participate in a nonbinding summary jury trial.

Synopsis of Rule of Law.

A federal district court cannot require parties to participate in a nonbinding summary jury trial.

Points of Law - Legal Principles in this Case for Law Students.

The purpose of the summary jury trial is to motivate litigants toward settlement by allowing them to estimate how an actual jury may respond to their evidence.

View Full Point of Law

Strandell committed suicide after being arrested, strip searched, and imprisoned in Jackson County, Illinois. Strandell’s parents filed suit seeking $500,000 in damages. At a pretrial conference, the judge suggested that the parties participate in a nonbinding summary jury trial, and Strandell’s attorney refused. The Strandell’s attorney was held in criminal contempt and was subject to a fine.

Issue.

Whether a federal district court can require parties to participate in a nonbinding summary jury trial?

Held.

No. The contempt judgment is vacated. The trial court exceeded its power by forcing the parties to participate in a nonbinding summary jury trial.

Discussion.

The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure did not intend to give the court to power to force parties into settlement negotiations.