Waters v. Meta Platforms Inc.

Background

Rian Waters filed an “emergency motion” asking the court to reconsider an omnibus order. That earlier order denied injunctive relief, dismissed the action with prejudice, and entered judgment. The opinion does not provide the full allegations or explain the earlier order in detail.

Court’s analysis

The court addressed Waters’s argument that he intended to challenge only conduct in his prior federal actions. The court said that, even if that was his intent—and even if he therefore was not required to allege class-based animus—the complaint still failed to state a claim under 42 U.S.C. § 1985(2). Section 1985(2) is a federal statute addressing certain conspiracies that interfere with court proceedings or justice. The court also found Waters’s other arguments unpersuasive.

Ruling

The court denied the motion for reconsideration. It held that Waters had not met the “high hurdle” required to alter the judgment under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 59(e), which governs motions asking a court to change an entered judgment.

Judge and procedural note

The order was signed by Richard Seeborg, Chief United States District Judge. The opinion explains that he entered the order because he had served as the duty judge who entered the earlier omnibus order during the temporary unavailability of the assigned judge.