Mindy Barlow, et al. v. Superior Court of San Diego

Location: San Diego, California
Court: Federal District Court

Standing up for a Bible study’s equal access to meet in Court facilities

Mindy Barlow and her Bible study group had been meeting in an empty courtroom during their lunch hour for six years when they were suddenly told that they could no longer use the courthouse facilities. The Court then came up with a policy regarding employee use of facilities, by which other social groups and organizations were permitted to meet, but religious groups were not. When Mindy applied for permission, she was denied and informed that such a use of the courthouse would violate the Establishment Clause. We sent a demand letter to the Court, but the Court refused to allow the Bible study to resume. We consequently filed a complaint in the Federal District Court.

 The Defendants filed a motion to dismiss the case in its entirety arguing the case had no merit. In August, 2008, the Federal District Court denied the motion to dismiss, and we received a very favorable ruling. 

The Superior Court's Administration agreed to settle this case, and permit Ms. Barlow and the Bible study to meet in the courthouse facilities.    

Briefing:

•  First Amended Complaint
•  Defendants' Motion to Dismiss
•  Defendants' Memo of Points & Authorities
•  Plaintiff's Opposition to Motion to Dismiss