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THE COURT:
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All right. Good afternoon, ladies
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and gentlemen. Our case is 99—7430-CI-008,
Richard W.
Howd, Jr. v. Robert S. Minton, Jr.
, and we have several
things on the calendar for this afternoon.
And, Madam Court Reporter, did you get the
names of the attorneys and the parties that they represent
and everything? Very good. We’re ready to proceed.
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MR. MERRETT:
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There are a couple of preliminary
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matters that need to be taken up, Your Honor.
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THE COURT:
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Good. Let’s go.
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MR. MERRETT:
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I think first and simply, while I
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don’t think that Mr. Howd is here, I believe that there is
a person who is neither a party nor a party representative
who is seated forward of the bar, which is not customary,
to my knowledge. As I said, Mr. Howd seems to be nowhere
in evidence. I don’t think that’s him seated with
Mr. Pope.
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THE COURT:
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Well, hold on just a minute.
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Mr. Pope, sir, is the person with you co-counsel?
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MR. POPE:
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No, Your Honor. This is Mr. Shaw,
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Ben Shaw, who is with the Church of Scientology Flag
Service Organization.
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THE COURT:
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Okay. Representing the church here
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today as your client?
