LANSING, MICHIGAN – June 30, 2025 – Lighthouse Litigation PLLC announced today the filing of an appellate brief in the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in a pivotal civil rights case brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. The case challenges the denial of fundamental procedural rights during trial, including severely disproportionate time restrictions and the blocking of critical subpoenas necessary for the plaintiff’s presentation of evidence.
The underlying case arises from allegations of unconstitutional conduct by state actors, including violations of the plaintiff’s Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights. Despite the seriousness of the claims and the need for a full evidentiary presentation, the district court limited the plaintiff to only five hours of trial time—less than half of what was afforded to the defendants—and denied subpoenas critical to the plaintiff’s case, effectively preventing key witnesses from testifying.
“Justice cannot be served when one party is silenced by the clock and the other is given free rein,” said Joshua S. Goodrich, J.D., LL.M., principal attorney at Lighthouse Litigation. “This appeal asks the Sixth Circuit to ensure that federal trials uphold the constitutional guarantee of due process and the right to a fair trial, especially in matters involving alleged civil rights violations by government officials.”
The appeal draws on legal scholarship and precedent highlighting how arbitrary and inflexible trial limits can undermine both the perception and reality of fairness in court proceedings. It also raises concerns regarding the denial of subpoenas under Rule 45, arguing that the lower court’s actions improperly curtailed the plaintiff’s ability to develop a complete factual record.
Lighthouse Litigation PLLC remains committed to pursuing justice in complex civil rights litigation and standing up against procedural practices that obstruct access to fair adjudication.