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Wayne C. Walker v. Stephen Lautner Kyle Kigar James Wagester James v. Young Donald A. Teeple
Citations: 57 F.3d 1072; 1995 U.S. App. LEXIS 20984; 1995 WL 358264Docket: 95-1064
Court: Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit; June 14, 1995; Federal Appellate Court
Wayne C. Walker appealed a district court's summary judgment favoring defendants Stephen Lautner, Kyle Kigar, James Wagester, James V. Young, and Donald A. Teeple in a civil rights case under 42 U.S.C. §§ 1983, 1985, and 1986. Walker alleged violations of his Fourth Amendment rights due to an unlawful warrant execution by Judge Teeple and subsequent trespassing by zoning officers Lautner and Kigar. He also claimed Prosecutor Young violated separation of powers by prejudging his case. The appeals court affirmed the district court's decision, finding no genuine issues of material fact and confirming that the defendants were entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Judge Teeple was granted absolute immunity for actions taken in his official capacity. Prosecutor Young was similarly immune from damages claims in his official role. Walker waived his right to appeal claims against Kigar and Wagester by failing to object to the magistrate's report. The court noted that a ruling in Walker's favor would invalidate his conviction, thus affirming summary judgment. Lautner's claims were barred by collateral estoppel, as issues had been previously litigated in state court. The jury in Walker's state criminal prosecution found him guilty of resisting and obstructing law enforcement. The parties involved in this case are the same as those in the state court proceedings. During the trial, the court examined whether Walker interfered with officers, including Lautner, while they attempted to inspect his property. Walker argued that he did not obstruct the officers and claimed improper conduct on their part. However, the state court litigated his assault and battery as well as Fourth Amendment claims, which were resolved against him. The state court's findings are linked to the factual issues in Walker's federal claims against Lautner and he had a full opportunity to litigate those issues in state court. Consequently, the state court judgment carries preclusive effect in the federal case, similar to its standing in Michigan state courts. Summary judgment for Lautner is warranted since Walker has not demonstrated the illegality of his conviction—having failed to appeal or pursue habeas relief—hence he cannot seek monetary damages. Furthermore, Walker's claims under Sections 1985 and 1986 lack merit as he has not provided evidence of a racially or class-based discriminatory conspiracy, which is necessary for such claims. As there is no valid claim under Section 1985, his Section 1986 claim also fails. The district court's decisions are upheld.