Estelle Stein v. United States
DueProcess
After a court of appeals vacated summary judgment in its favor, the Government filed a new summary judgment motion against a defendant taxpayer, with additional evidence—arguing that a declaration the taxpayer had filed opposing the Government's earlier, pre-appeal summary judgment motion lacked sufficient detail. The district court then prohibited the taxpayer from submitting any evidence opposing the new motion (like a new declaration), and granted the motion on the basis that the declaration the taxpayer filed opposing the earlier motion lacked sufficient detail. The court of appeals affirmed. The following questions contemplate evidence filed in compliance with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, including Rule 56:
1. Does a party have a right under the Due Process Clause to file evidence in opposition to a motion for summary judgment?
2. May a district court prohibit a party from filing evidence in opposition to a motion for summary judgment?
3. Did the district court err by granting summary judgment?
Does a party have a right under the Due Process Clause to file evidence in opposition to a motion for summary judgment?