Equal Justice Under Law As Long As You Pay For It.

Plaintiff sued for negligent medical treatment received while he was incarcerated in state prison. He alleged he suffered grave injuries after being administered a drug in contraindication of how the drug is supposed to be used. Ten days prior to trial, the trial court informed the parties “the court no longer provides a court reporter for civil trials, and the parties have to provide their own reporters for trial.” Thereafter the jury trial was not reported, and the trial court granted defendant’s motion for nonsuit. On appeal, the Court of Appeal held plaintiff could not demonstrate error because the record does not contain a reporter’s transcript, stating:  “This court is fully aware that [plaintiff’s] incarceration and his financial circumstances have made it difficult for him to pursue his claims in court. This case aptly demonstrates that civil justice is not free.” (Jameson v. Desta (Cal. App. Fourth Dist., Div. 1; October 15, 2015) (Ord. Pub. October 20, 2015) 241 Cal.App.4th 491.)