The Southern District of West Virginia offers a database of opinions starting in the year 2001, listed by year and judge. For a more detailed search, enter the keyword or case number in the search to the right or sort using the drop-downs below.
Memorandum Opinion And Order
Pending are Defendant Jamaa I. Johnson’s Motion for Appointment of Counsel [ECF 1093], filed December 3, 2024, and Motion for Compassionate Release [ECF 1094], filed February 7, 2025. The United States responded to the Motion for Compassionate Release on February 24, 2025 [ECF 1097]. The matters are ready for adjudication.
Memorandum Opinion and Order
This court cannot take over the foster care system of West Virginia. Constitutional limits prevent the court from crafting public policy and administering state agencies. West Virginia’s foster care system has cycled through inaction, bureaucratic indifference, shocking neglect, and temporary fixes for years. The blame squarely lies with West Virginia state government. When elected officials fail, the ballot box is the remedy.
Memorandum Opinion And Order
Pending are Defendant Ryan Bailey’s Motion to Set Aside Entry of Default by Clerk [ECF 15], filed November 15, 2024, and Defendant RKB, Inc.’s (“RKB”) Motion to Set Aside Entry of Default Pursuant to Rule 60 of the West Virginia Rules of Civil Procedure [ECF 17], filed November 26, 2024. Plaintiff United States of America (“Plaintiff”) responded in opposition to the motions [ECF 18] on November 27, 2024.
Memorandum Opinion And Order
Pending is Intervenor Defendant South Fork Coal Company, LLC’s (“South Fork”) Motion to Dismiss [ECF 42], filed August 2, 2024. Plaintiffs Center for Biological Diversity, Appalachian Voices, Greenbrier River Watershed Association, Kanawha Forest Coalition, Sierra Club, and West Virginia Highlands Conservancy (collectively “Plaintiffs”) responded in opposition [ECF 46] on August 16, 2024, to which Intervenor Defendant replied [ECF 47] on August 23, 2024.
Memorandum Opinion And Order
Pending are Defendant Christopher Smyth's (1) Sentencing Memorandum [ECF 139], filed August 15, 2024, and (2) Supplemental Sentencing Memorandum [ECF 148], filed December 9, 2024. Mr. Smyth objects to the Presentence Investigation Report's ("PSR") failure to recommend a downward departure under U.S.S.G. § 5K2.11.