Klayman V Obama Motion To Dismiss
Klayman V Obama Motion To Dismiss
Klayman V Obama Motion To Dismiss
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v.
States of America
and
Nation of Islam
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RASHAD TURNER,
a Natural Person, and leader
of the Black Lives Matter movement
and
OPAL TOMETI,
a Natural Person, and co-founder and
leader of the Black Lives Matter movement
and #BlackLivesMatter network
and
PATRISSE CULLORS,
a Natural Person, and co-founder and leader
of the Black Lives Matter movement and
#BlackLivesMatter network
and
ALICIA GARZA,
a Natural Person, and co-founder and leader
of the Black Lives Matter movement and
#BlackLivesMatter network
and
DERAY MCKESSON,
a Natural Person, and leader of the Black
Lives Matter movement
Defendants.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction/Summary of Argument .......1
Procedural and Factual Background.1
Argument and Authorities....2
I.
II.
Standard of Review......2
B.
Argument.....4
1.
2.
3.
Standard of Review..7
B.
Argument.....9
1.
2.
3.
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ii
Minister Farrakhans Rule 12(b)(1)-(5) & 12(h)(3)
Motion to Dismiss and Brief in Support.
Page 7 of 34 PageID 89
TABLE OF AUTHORITIES
United States Constitution
U.S. Cont., Art. III ...................................................................................................................... 3, 6
U.S. Const. amend 1 ..................................................................................................................... 10
U.S. Const. amend 5 ....................................................................................................................... 1
U.S. Const. amend. 14 ................................................................................................................ 7, 8
Cases
Allen v. Wright, 468 U.S. 737, 750 (1984). .................................................................................... 3
Alpine View Co. Ltd. V. Atlas Copco AB, 205 F.3d 208 (5th Cir. 2000) ............................ .. 13
Ambraco, Inc. v. Bossclip B.V., 570 F3d. 233, 238 (5th Cir. 2009) .............................................. 20
Arbaugh v. Y &H Corp., 546 U.S. 500, 506 (2006)3
Bancroft & Masters, Inc. v. Augusta Nat'l, Inc., 223 F.3d 1082, 1087 (9th Cir. 2000).................. 8
Bender v. Williamsport Area Sch. Dist., 475 U.S. 534, 541 (1986) ............................................... 3
Bixby v. KBR, Inc., No. 3:09-CV-632-PK, 2011 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 79156,
2011 WL 2971848, at *5 (D. Or. June 16, 2011) ................................................................. 8, 10
Burger King Corp. v. Rudzewicz, 471 U.S. 462 (1985) ................................................................ 13
Craft v. Governor of Texas, 562 F3d 735, 745 (5th Cir. 2009). ...................................................... 4
DaimlerChrysler Corp. v. Cuno, 547 U.S. 332, 352 (2006). .......................................................... 4
George v. U.S. Dept. of Labor, 788 F2d 1115 (5th Cir. 1986) ...................................................... 16
Glenn v. BP P.L.C. (In re BP P.L.C. Secs. Litig.),
2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 92854 (S.D. Tex. July 5, 2012).............................................................. 8
Hanson v. Denckla, 357 U.S. 235 (1958) ..................................................................................... 13
Helicopteros Nacionales de Colombia, S.A. v. Hall, 466 U.S. 408 (1984) .................... 7, 8, 12, 13
International Shoe Company v. Washington, 326 U.S. 310 (1945).............................................. 15
iii
Minister Farrakhans Rule 12(b)(1)-(5) & 12(h)(3)
Motion to Dismiss and Brief in Support.
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iv
Minister Farrakhans Rule 12(b)(1)-(5) & 12(h)(3)
Motion to Dismiss and Brief in Support.
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Statutes
42 U.S.C. 1983 ............................................................................................................................. 1
42 U.S.C. 1985 ............................................................................................................................. 1
18 U.S.C. 2334 ........................................................................................................................... 21
28 U.S.C. 1391(b) ...................................................................................................................... 20
Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Ann. 17.042..9
Florida Statute 874.06 ..................................................................................................................... 2
Rules
Fed. R. Civ. P. 4(e) ....................................................................................................................... 16
Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(1)-(5)....................................................................................................... 2, 21
Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(1)............................................................................................................... 2, 3
Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(2)................................................................................................................. 11
Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(3)................................................................................................................. 20
Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(4)(5) ............................................................................................................ 16
Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(h)(3) ........................................................................................................ 2, 3, 21
Tex. R. Civ. P. 106........................................................................................................................ 17
Mich. R. Civ P. 2.105 ................................................................................................................... 17
Rule 735 ILCS 5/2-203 of the Illinois Rules of Civil Procedure .................................................. 18
Local Rule 7.1(g)...22
v
Minister Farrakhans Rule 12(b)(1)-(5) & 12(h)(3)
Motion to Dismiss and Brief in Support.
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INTRODUCTION/SUMMARY OF ARGUMENT
The Court lacks subject matter jurisdiction over this action because the Plaintiff does not
have standing to bring this lawsuit. Moreover, this court does not have personal jurisdiction over
Minister Farrakhan, a non-resident defendant, who does not have continuous and systematic
general business contacts with the State of Texas for purposes of general or specific personal
jurisdiction. Furthermore, Minister Farrakhan did not direct any actions towards the State of Texas
or persons in Texas related to the allegations in Plaintiffs complaint. Therefore, the Court lacks
personal jurisdiction. Venue is also not proper in the Northern District of Texas because there is
no allegation within the complaint that Minister Farrakhan had contacts with the State of Texas or
directed any activity towards the State of Texas related to the allegations. There was no event or
any conduct involving Minister Farrakhan that occurred in the State of Texas. An important point
for purposes of venue, is that not one of the named defendants resides in the State of Texas, and
neither does Plaintiff. Therefore, venue is not proper in this district.
Finally, Plaintiff failed to properly serve Minister Farrakhan. The summons and complaint
were not served in accordance with the rules of the States of Texas, Michigan or Illinois. For this
reason, as well, the complaint cannot be heard.
For all of the foregoing reasons, singularly or in combination, Minister Farrakhans Motion
to Dismiss must be granted with prejudice.
PROCEDURAL AND FACTUAL BACKGROUND
On July 9, 2016, Plaintiff, a resident of the State of Florida, initiated this lawsuit in the
Federal District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division against several named
defendants. The Plaintiff has alleged (1) deprivation of civil rights in violation of 42 U.S.C.
1983; (2) conspiracy to deprive Plaintiff of civil rights in violation of 42 U.S.C. 1985; (3)
deprivation of the right to life in violation of the Fifth Amendment of the United States
1
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Constitution; (4) terrorist promotion of gang activity in violation of Florida Statute 874.06; (5)
assault; and (6) intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Specifically, Plaintiff contends these claims arose as the result of an alleged criminal act
committed in Dallas, Texas on July 7, 2016 by a person who is not before this court. As one of
the named defendants in the lawsuit, Minister Farrakhan hereby moves to dismiss the complaint
pursuant to Rules 12(b)(1)-(5) and 12(h)(3) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
For purposes of this Motion1, the relevant facts are straightforward. Minister Farrakhan is
a citizen of the State of Illinois. Minister Farrakhan resides in Illinois and operates from Illinois.
Minister Farrakhan is not domiciled in Texas and has never resided in Texas. Indeed, the
complaint does not allege any fact to support a conclusion that general or specific personal
jurisdiction would be proper or that venue lies in Texas. Moreover, there is no allegation in the
complaint that Plaintiff suffered an injury in Texas as a result of any alleged conduct by Minister
Farrakhan.
ARGUMENT AND AUTHORITIES
I.
STANDARD OF REVIEW
Attorneys, on behalf of Defendant Minister Farrakhan, move the Court to dismiss this cause
based on the Courts lack of subject matter jurisdiction pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(1) and
Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(h)(3)2. Federal courts do not have unlimited jurisdiction. They only possess
For purposes of this Motion, there will be no extensive repetition of the alleged facts listed in the complaint.
However, none of the allegations support any of the purported claims.
2
Rule 12(h)(3) provides that If the court determines at any time that it lacks subject-matter jurisdiction, the court
must dismiss the action. The objection, or question, of whether the court lacks subject matter jurisdiction may be
2
Minister Farrakhans Rule 12(b)(1)-(5) & 12(h)(3)
Motion to Dismiss and Brief in Support.
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the power that is authorized by Article III of the Constitution and statutes enacted by Congress
pursuant thereto. Bender v. Williamsport Area Sch. Dist., 475 U.S. 534, 541 (1986). Article III
of the Constitution limits federal courts to adjudicating actual cases and controversies. Allen v.
Wright, 468 U.S. 737, 750 (1984). In reviewing a motion to dismiss for lack of subject matter
jurisdiction, it is to be presumed that a cause lies outside this limited jurisdiction of the court, and
the burden of establishing the contrary rests upon the party asserting jurisdiction. Kokkonen v.
Guardian Life Ins. Co., 511 U.S. 375, 377 (1994).
Of the several case and controversy doctrines, the requirement that a litigant have standing
to invoke the power of a federal court is perhaps the most important. Id. Standing in fact
implicates the courts subject matter jurisdiction. Steel Co. v. Citizens for a Better Envt., 523 U.S.
83, 89 (1998). The Supreme Court has made clear that without jurisdiction the court cannot
proceed at all in any cause. Jurisdiction is the power to declare law, and when it ceases to exist,
the only function remaining to the court is that of announcing the fact and dismissing the cause.
Steel Co. Citizens for a Better Envt, 523 U.S. 83, 94-95 (1998). Jurisdiction over the subject
matter provides the foundation for the court to act, and an action must be dismissed whenever it
appears the court lacks subject matter jurisdiction. Therefore, a court may not act on or resolve
contested questions of law when its jurisdiction is in doubt, but must instead decide jurisdiction
first. Steel Co. 523 U.S. at 101. Where defendant moves for dismissal for lack of subject matter
jurisdiction, as well as on other grounds, the court should rule first on the Rule 12(b)(1)/12(h)(3)
challenge since if it must dismiss the complaint for lack of subject matter jurisdiction, all other
defenses and objections, including alleged lack of personal jurisdiction, become moot and do not
need to be determined. Ruhlen Agency, Inc. v. Alabama Ins. Guaranty Assn, 896 F.2d 674 (2nd
raised at any time and at any stage of the litigation, even after trial. Arbaugh v. Y &H Corp., 546 U.S. 500, 506
(2006). As such, the defense is preserved throughout the action and is not waived later by presenting it at this stage.
3
Minister Farrakhans Rule 12(b)(1)-(5) & 12(h)(3)
Motion to Dismiss and Brief in Support.
Page 13 of 34 PageID 95
Cir. 1990).
Because standing to sue is a threshold jurisdictional question, and one that the plaintiff
must prove, this court must address the jurisdictional question before proceeding further in the
case.
A plaintiff, as the party attempting to invoke the courts jurisdiction, bears the burden of
demonstrating that the requirements for standing, which gives the court subject matter jurisdiction
are satisfied. Ramming v. United States, 281 F3d 158, 161 (5th Cir. 2001). Here, a lack of standing
is evident from the face of the complaint.
B. ARGUMENT
Standing is an essential requirement. Standing is an unchanging requirement. Lujan v.
Defenders of Wildlife, 504 U.S. 555, 560 (1992). Standing requires that a plaintiff, for each claim
or act or form of relief sought, establish a legally cognizable injury that is fairly traceable to the
Defendants allegedly unlawful conduct and likely to be redressed by the requested relief.
DaimlerChrysler Corp. v. Cuno, 547 U.S. 332, 352 (2006). To prove standing, a plaintiff must
prove injury-in-fact, causation, and redressability the elements that make up the irreducible
constitutional minimum of standing. Lujan, 504 U.S. at 560; Craft v. Governor of Texas, 562
F3d 735, 745 (5th Cir. 2009). The injury-in-fact must be concrete and particularized and actual
or imminent, not conjectural or hypothetical, and the injury must affect the plaintiff in a personal
and individual way. Lujan, 504 U.S. at 560, 563. Without standing, a court lacks subject matter
jurisdiction. In this matter, Plaintiff cannot meet each of the Constitutional elements required for
standing because no injury-in-fact was suffered, there was no causation, and there is no issue for
the court to redress. Therefore, this matter must be dismissed with prejudice.
4
Minister Farrakhans Rule 12(b)(1)-(5) & 12(h)(3)
Motion to Dismiss and Brief in Support.
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Minister Farrakhans Rule 12(b)(1)-(5) & 12(h)(3)
Motion to Dismiss and Brief in Support.
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connection between those allegations and the alleged harm. Not one of the allegations describe
any conduct that occurred in the State of Texas. Not one allegation describes conduct near the
time of the event Plaintiff claims caused harm. Not one allegation is connected to the alleged
harm. The alleged harm described is the result of the independent alleged criminal action of a
third party with no connection to Minister Farrakhan. Therefore, there is nothing by way of the
complaint for the Court to redress. There is no issue; there is no case or controversy between
Minister Farrakhan and the Plaintiff. Therefore, there is nothing to be redressed. For this reason,
too, this matter must be dismissed with prejudice.
II. THE COMPLAINT MUST BE DISMISSED FOR LACK OF PERSONAL
JURISDICTION
A. STANDARD OF REVIEW
The Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment operates to limit the power of a State
to assert in personam jurisdiction over a nonresident defendant." Helicopteros Nacionales de
Colombia, S.A. v. Hall, 466 U.S. 408, 413-14, 104 S. Ct. 1868, 80 L. Ed. 2d 404 (1984). These due
process requirements are only satisfied where "in personam jurisdiction is asserted over a
nonresident corporate defendant that has 'certain minimum contacts with [the forum] such that the
maintenance of the suit does not offend traditional notions of fair play and substantial
justice.'" Id. (quoting Int'l Shoe Co. v. Washington, 326 U.S. 310, 316, 66 S. Ct. 154, 90 L. Ed. 95
7
Minister Farrakhans Rule 12(b)(1)-(5) & 12(h)(3)
Motion to Dismiss and Brief in Support.
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(1945) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). When a controversy "arises out of" a
defendant's relationship with the forum state, the "relationship among the defendant, the forum,
and the litigation" is the essential foundation of in personam jurisdiction. Glenn v. BP P.L.C. (In
re BP P.L.C. Secs. Litig.), 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 92854 (S.D. Tex. July 5, 2012).
There are two types of personal jurisdiction: general and specific." Ziegler v. Indian River
County, 64 F.3d 470, 473 (9th Cir. 1995). "For general jurisdiction to exist over a nonresident
defendant . . . the defendant must engage in continuous and systematic general business
contacts . . . that approximate physical presence in the forum state." Bixby v. KBR, Inc., No.
3:09-CV-632-PK, 2011 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 79156, 2011 WL 2971848, at *5 (D. Or. June 16, 2011)
(quoting Schwarzenegger v. Fred Martin Motor Co., 374 F.3d 797, 801 (9th Cir. 2004)). This
standard is intended to be an exacting one "because a finding of general jurisdiction permits a
defendant to be haled into court in the forum state to answer for any of its activities anywhere in
the world." Bancroft & Masters, Inc. v. Augusta Nat'l, Inc., 223 F.3d 1082, 1087 (9th Cir. 2000).
Even if there is no general jurisdiction, a court may still exercise specific jurisdiction over a
defendant if the case "arises out of" or is "related to" a defendant's forum-related activities.
Helicopteros Nacionales de Colombia, 466 U.S. at 414, Glenn v. BP P.L.C. (In re BP P.L.C. Secs.
Litig.), 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 92854 (S.D. Tex. July 5, 2012).
A federal court may exercise personal jurisdiction over a non-resident defendant (1) as
permitted under the state's long-arm statute; and (2) to the extent permitted by the Due Process
Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Pervasive Software, Inc. v. Lexware GMBH & Co. KG, 688
F.3d 214, 220 (5th Cir. 2012). The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has held that because the Texas
long-arm statute extends to the limits of federal due process, the two-step inquiry collapses into
one federal due process analysis." Mullins v. Test America Inc., 564 F.3d 386, 398 (5th Cir. 2009)
8
Minister Farrakhans Rule 12(b)(1)-(5) & 12(h)(3)
Motion to Dismiss and Brief in Support.
(quoting Johnston v. Multidata Sys. Int'l Corp., 523 F.3d 602, 609 (5th Cir. 2008). The Texas longarm statute authorizes service of process on a nonresident defendant if that party is "doing
business" in Texas. Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Ann. 17.042.3
The Texas Supreme Court has interpreted the "doing business" language of its long-arm
statute to reach as far as the federal constitutional requirements of due process will allow.
Schlobohm v. Schapiro, 784 S.W.2d 355, 357 (Tex. 1990). Thus, the Court examines the due
process requirements directly. Saudi v. S/T Marine Atl., 159 F. Supp. 2d 469, 2000 U.S. Dist.
LEXIS 20873, 2001 AMC 1273 (S.D. Tex. 2000).
To satisfy the requirements of due process for specific jurisdiction, a plaintiff must
demonstrate: "(1) that the non-resident purposely availed himself of the benefits and protections
of the forum state by establishing 'minimum contacts' with the state; and (2) that the exercise of
jurisdiction does not offend 'traditional notions of fair play and substantial justice." Id. (quoting
Wilson v. Belin, 20 F.3d 644, 647 (5th Cir. 1994).
B. ARGUMENT
Based upon the foregoing review of the legal standard which establishes the Courts
authority to exercise personal jurisdiction over a non-resident defendant, this Court lacks personal
jurisdiction over Minister Farrakhan.
Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code 17.042. Acts Constituting Business in This State.
In addition to other acts that may constitute doing business, a nonresident does business in this state if the
nonresident:
(1) contracts by mail or otherwise with a Texas resident and either party is to perform the contract in whole
or in part in this state;
(2) commits a tort in whole or in part in this state; or
(3) recruits Texas residents, directly or through an intermediary located in this state, for employment inside
or outside this state.
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Minister Farrakhans Rule 12(b)(1)-(5) & 12(h)(3)
Motion to Dismiss and Brief in Support.
Motor Co., 374 F.3d 797, 801 (9th Cir. 2004). The activities described herein by Minister
Farrakhan within the State of Texas, does not give rise to this Courts ability to exercise general
personal jurisdiction over him, as a non-resident of Texas. Further, the ability to exercise personal
jurisdiction over a non-resident defendant must be based upon the Texas Long arm statute which
is synonymous with what due process allows. The Texas Long arm statue is quite clear and
unambiguous that jurisdiction can be obtained over a non-resident defendant, if the party is doing
business in Texas. The long arm statute even enumerates the specific activities that constitute
doing business in the State of Texas.
Plainly, Minister Farrakhan does not have the type of contacts with the State of Texas that
meet the legal definition of general and systematic general business contacts with the State of
Texas sufficient to warrant exercising general jurisdiction over him. Additionally, as a plain
reading of the complaint reveals, Minister Farrakhan does not have specific minimum contacts
with the State of Texas in relation to the alleged criminal conduct of third parties to warrant the
exercise of specific personal jurisdiction over him in a Texas court.
Plaintiffs attempt to impute the alleged criminal conduct of a third party in Dallas, Texas
to Defendant, Minister Farrakhan in Illinois would in no way comport with due process under the
United States Constitution. Moreover, exercise of jurisdiction over Minister Farrakhan would not
comport with notions of fair play and substantial justice. Because this Court lacks personal
jurisdiction, the complaint must be dismissed pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(2).
1. There is no General Personal Jurisdiction over Minister Farrakhan in the State
of Texas
The argument above is incorporated herein by reference. Minister Farrakhan is not subject
to personal jurisdiction in the State of Texas under the principle of general jurisdiction. Plaintiff
has not set forth facts to establish that Minister Farrakhan has substantial, continuous and
11
Minister Farrakhans Rule 12(b)(1)-(5) & 12(h)(3)
Motion to Dismiss and Brief in Support.
systematic general business contacts with the State of Texas that would subject him to this Courts
general personal jurisdiction. In light of the fact that no allegation within the complaint alleges
that Minister Farrakhan would be subject to jurisdiction in the State of Texas, Plaintiff has waived
his right to so claim. In any event, Minister Farrakhan does not have sufficient contacts with the
State of Texas of the type that could warrant the exercise of general jurisdiction over him.
General jurisdiction is applicable in suits that do not arise out of or are not related to the
defendants contacts with the forum state. Helicopteros Nacionales de Colombia, S.A. v. Hall, 466
U.S. 408 (1984). A court may exercise general jurisdiction based on a defendants overall contacts
with the forum state. General jurisdiction can only occur where the defendant is either domiciled
in the forum state or has substantial, continuous and systematic general business contacts with
the forum state. Helicopteros Nacionales de Colombia, S.A. v. Hall, 466 U.S. at 414-416. (1984).
Also pertinent is the fact that general jurisdiction does not arise because a person has a presence
on websites. Mink v. AAAA Dev. LLC, 190 F. 3rd 333, 336-337 (5th Cir. 1999). Moreover, general
jurisdiction cannot be premised on a stream of commerce theory because a defendant has contact
with third parties who do business in the forum state. Alpine View Co. Ltd. V. Atlas Copco AB,
205 F.3d 208 (5th Cir. 2000).
We have previously established that Minister Farrakhan does not have the type of contacts
with the State of Texas that meet the legal definition of substantial, continuous and systematic
general business contacts sufficient to warrant exercising general jurisdiction over him consistent
with due process. In addition, Minister Farrakhan is a resident of the State of Illinois. Minister
Farrakhan is not domiciled in the State of Texas. He has never resided in the State of Texas. He
does not conduct business in the State of Texas.
12
Minister Farrakhans Rule 12(b)(1)-(5) & 12(h)(3)
Motion to Dismiss and Brief in Support.
Plaintiff did not plead any facts sufficient to establish the minimum contacts necessary
for this Court to assert general personal jurisdiction over Minister Farrakhan. In fact, Plaintiff
failed to allege any basis at all for this Court to exercise general personal jurisdiction over Minister
Farrakhan. Not only has Plaintiff failed to plead the necessary minimum contacts, there in fact
have not been continuance and systematic business contacts or substantial contacts between
Minister Farrakhan and the State of Texas for general jurisdictional purposes. Helicopteros
Nacionales, 466 U.S. at 415-16. As a result, there is no basis for exercising general jurisdiction
over Minister Farrakhan consistent with due process. Therefore, on this ground, this matter must
be dismissed with prejudice.
2. Minister Farrakhan is Not Subject to Specific Personal Jurisdiction Because he
has Not Purposefully Conducted Activities in Texas that Would Give Rise to
Personal Jurisdiction in the State of Texas
To support specific personal jurisdiction there must be some act by which the defendant
purposefully avails itself of the privilege of conducting activities within the forum state, thus
invoking the benefits and protections of its laws. Hanson v. Denckla, 357 U.S. 235 (1958).
Moreover, the plaintiff's claim against the non-resident defendant must arise out of or relate to
activities that the defendant purposefully directed at the forum state. Alpine View Co. v. Atlas
Copco AB, 205 F.3d 208, 215 (5th Cir. 2000). The requirement of purposeful availing oneself
of the benefits of the forum state for purposes of specific personal jurisdiction precludes and does
not permit a court to exercise personal jurisdiction as the result of random, fortuitous, or
attenuated contacts. Burger King Corp. v. Rudzewicz, 471 U.S. 462 (1985). Equally important
is that the exercise of jurisdiction must not offend 'traditional notions of fair play and substantial
justice. Wilson v. Belin, 20 F.3d 644, 647 (5th Cir. 1994).
13
Minister Farrakhans Rule 12(b)(1)-(5) & 12(h)(3)
Motion to Dismiss and Brief in Support.
The Fifth Circuit has held that only if a nonresident defendant has purposefully directed
its activities at the forum state and the litigation results from alleged injuries that arise out of or
relate to those activities does specific jurisdiction exist. The averments in Plaintiffs complaint,
all of which lack context, will not be repeated here. However, for purposes of this Motion, none
of what Plaintiff alleges (see complaint, paragraphs 6-13 and 50-102) is sufficient to demonstrate
this Court can exercise specific personal jurisdiction. There is not one allegation within Plaintiffs
complaint that demonstrates Minister Farrakhan purposefully availed himself of the privilege of
conducting activities in the State of Texas. In fact, there is no mention in the complaint of any
activity of Minister Farrakhan that occurred in the State of Texas or was directed at Texas. There
is no allegation that he engaged in activities in Texas or purposefully directed activities at Texas
that caused harm to persons or property in Texas. In essence, the causes of action are in no way
related to or arise from any contact that Minister Farrakhan had with Texas. There was no contact
by Minister Farrakhan with Texas that forms the basis of the claims or relate to them. There is
nothing alleged that is related to any contact of Minister Farrakhan with Texas, that gives rise to
the exercise of specific personal jurisdiction.
In Walden v. Fiore, ___ U.S. ___, 134 S. Ct. 1115 (2014), the Supreme Court clarified the
concept of personal jurisdiction. In Walden the Court held that a Nevada court could not exercise
jurisdiction over a Georgia police officer merely on the basis that he knew his allegedly tortious
conduct in Georgia would delay the return of funds to a plaintiff with connections to Nevada. The
Court explained that it is . . . insufficient to rely on a defendants random, fortuitous, or attenuated
contacts or on the unilateral activity of a plaintiff to establish personal minimum contacts that
would allow for the exercise of personal jurisdiction. In reversing the lower court, the Supreme
14
Minister Farrakhans Rule 12(b)(1)-(5) & 12(h)(3)
Motion to Dismiss and Brief in Support.
Court noted that no part of [defendants] conduct occurred in Nevada . . .[he] never traveled to,
conducted activities within, contacted anyone in, or sent anything or anyone to Nevada.
By comparison, as it relates to the allegations in Plaintiffs complaint, Minister Farrakhan
did not travel to, conduct activities within, contact anyone, make any appearances, speak or send
anything to Texas related to the alleged criminal and tortuous acts described in the complaint. In
fact, Plaintiff has not even alleged that he did.
Based on all of the foregoing, this matter must be dismissed because there has been no
showing of the types of minimum contacts as contemplated by the law, that would subject
Minister Farrakhan to this courts specific personal jurisdiction. There has not been any activity
from a contact with the State of Texas, related to the claims in the Complaint, that establishes
specific personal jurisdiction of this court. As a result, this matter must be dismissed with
prejudice.
3. The Complaint Must Be Dismissed Because Exercising Jurisdiction Would
Offend Due Process and Traditional Notions of Fair Play and Substantial Justice
The complaint must be dismissed because exercising personal jurisdiction would offend
due process and traditional notions of fair play and substantial justice. International Shoe
Company v. Washington, 326 U.S. 310 (1945). It would offend traditional notions of fair play and
substantial justice to exercise personal jurisdiction over Defendant Minister Farrakhan, where it is
established that jurisdiction cannot be obtained under the state long arm statute or general due
process principles. As has been set forth in previous arguments herein, concerning this courts lack
of general or specific personal jurisdiction, Minister Farrakhan resides in Illinois and has no
meaningful presence in the State of Texas for purposes of jurisdiction. In light of this, to attempt
to exercise jurisdiction would be both unfair and unjust and inconsistent with fair play and
substantial justice.
15
Minister Farrakhans Rule 12(b)(1)-(5) & 12(h)(3)
Motion to Dismiss and Brief in Support.
complaint with third parties in Michigan and Illinois. Under the Texas Rule, such service is only
permitted by court authorization.
19
Minister Farrakhans Rule 12(b)(1)-(5) & 12(h)(3)
Motion to Dismiss and Brief in Support.
Venue in general. A civil action may be brought in-(1) a judicial district in which any Defendant resides, if all Defendants are residents of the
State in which the district is located;
(2) a judicial district in which a substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to
the claim occurred, or a substantial part of property that is the subject of the action is
situated; or
(3) if there is no district in which an action may otherwise be brought as provided in this
section, any judicial district in which any defendant is subject to the court's personal
jurisdiction with respect to such action.
B. ARGUMENT
Plaintiff filed this case in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas.
As has been presented in our previous arguments, Minister Farrakhan does not reside in Texas.
Therefore, there is no basis for venue in this District pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1391(b)(1).
Since the Court does not have personal jurisdiction over Minister Farrakhan as set forth
earlier herein, there is no basis for venue in this District pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1391(b)(3).
20
Minister Farrakhans Rule 12(b)(1)-(5) & 12(h)(3)
Motion to Dismiss and Brief in Support.
Likewise, the action of a third party, not before the court, in Dallas Texas, on July 7, 2016 has no
causal connection to Minister Farrakhan. Thus, there is no basis for venue in this District pursuant
to 1391(b)(2).
In his complaint Plaintiff makes reference to purported comments of Minister Farrakhan
published in various internet articles as a basis for venue in Dallas Texas. Of the purported
comments Plaintiff lists (complaint paragraphs 50-102), not one of the comments was made in the
State of Texas and not one was directed towards the State of Texas.
Not one of the comments was made at or near the time of the criminal act that occurred in
Dallas, Texas. Not one of the comments was directed towards Texas. No part of any comment or
act attributed to Minister Farrakhan occurred in this Judicial District as a plain reading of the
complaint reveals. Because there was no action by Minister Farrakhan that was directed at Texas,
venue is improper in this District.
Plaintiff also relies on 18 U.S.C. 2334 to claim venue is proper in this District. That
section provides that: Any civil action under section 2333 of this title [18 USCS 2333] against
any person may be instituted in the district court of the United States for any district where any
plaintiff resides or where any defendant resides or is served, or has an agent. Process in such a
civil action may be served in any district where the defendant resides, is found, or has an agent.
As a plain reading of the statute reveals, an action under 18 U.S.C. 2334 must be instituted where
any plaintiff resides or where any defendant resides or is served. Plaintiff does not reside in the
State of Texas. According to his complaint he resides in the State of Florida. Minister Farrakhan
does not reside in Texas nor does any of the named defendants. Additionally, Minister Farrakhan
has not been served in the State Texas or elsewhere. Thus, the foregoing provision does not allow
for venue in the Northern District of Texas.
21
Minister Farrakhans Rule 12(b)(1)-(5) & 12(h)(3)
Motion to Dismiss and Brief in Support.
For all of the foregoing reasons, this matter must be dismissed with prejudice.
ORAL ARGUMENT
Should the presiding judge so direct pursuant to Local Rule 7.1(g), Attorneys for Minister
Farrakhan stand ready to present oral argument on his Rule 12(b)(1-5) and 12(h)(3) Motion to
Dismiss.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
Based upon the arguments and authorities set forth above, Minister Farrakhan respectfully
requests that this Court grant his Motion to Dismiss on all of the grounds presented, or
alternatively, for any one of them singularly or in any combination. Minister Farrakhan also
respectfully request any other relief to which he is justly entitled, including but not limited to,
costs, fees, attorneys fees, and sanctions against Plaintiff.
Respectfully submitted,
By: /s/Abdul Arif Muhammad
Abdul Arif Muhammad, Esq.
Pennsylvania Bar No. 47898
(Pro Hac Vice Application to be filed)
7351 South Stony Island Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60649
(215) 313-0738) Phone
[email protected]
By:/s/Michael K. Muhammad
Michael K. Muhammad
Muhammad Law Firm
State Bar No. 00787157
325 North Saint Paul Street
Suite 2475
Dallas, Texas 75201
(214) 432-6285 phone
[email protected]
ATTORNEYS FOR THE HONORABLE
MINISTER FARRAKHAN
22
Minister Farrakhans Rule 12(b)(1)-(5) & 12(h)(3)
Motion to Dismiss and Brief in Support.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that on August 7, 2016, I electronically filed Minister Farrakhans Motion to
Dismiss, Brief in Support of Minister Farrakhans Motion to Dismiss, and a Proposed Order with
the Clerk of the Court utilizing the CM/ECF system and that I have mailed the same by United
States Postal Service, first class mail, to:
Larry Klayman, Esq., Plaintiff
2020 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.
Suite 345 Washington, D.C. 20006
President Barack Obama
C/O United States Attorney for
the Northern District of Texas
1100 Commerce Street
Suite 300
Dallas, Texas 75242
Eric Holder
C/O United States Attorney for
the Northern District of Texas
1100 Commerce Street
Suite 300
Dallas, Texas 75242
and to
One City Center
850 Tenth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Reverend Al Sharpton
106 W. 145th Street
Harlem, NY 10039
And that on August 8, 2016, a copy has been left with the clerk of the court for the
following persons whose addresses are not known:
Rashad Turner
Opal Tometi
Patrisse Cullors
Alicia Garza
Deray McKesson
By:/s/
Michael K. Muhammad
Michael K. Muhammad
23
v.
States of America
and
Nation of Islam
ORDER
Upon consideration of Minister Farrakhans 12(b)(1-5) and 12(h)(3) Motion to Dismiss
and the accompanying Brief in Support of the Motion, and any responses thereto, it is hereby:
ORDERED that Minister Farrakhans Rule 12 Motion to Dismiss hereby is GRANTED
and that
__ pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(1)
__pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(2) and 12(h)(3)
__pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(3)
__pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(4)(5)
the claims of Plaintiff are dismissed with prejudice.
1
IT IS SO ORDERED.
DATED:_____________
_______________________________
THE HONORABLE SAM LINDSEY
United States District Judge
2
Minister Farrakhans Rule 12(b)(1)-(5) & 12(h)(3)
Motion to Dismiss and Brief in Support.