Hall v. DLC Management Corporation et al, No. 7:2011cv00298 - Document 81 (W.D. Va. 2013)
Court Description: MEMORANDUM OPINION. Signed by Judge James C. Turk on 4/23/13. (sas)
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$' r 1 R . 4* 1 U. DI COURT eE .. ST. wx. ATR* OV , VA FIED L APR 2 3 2 1 23 - I TH E UN I N TED STA TES DI STRI T C O UR T C FO R T H E W ESTERN DISTR I T O F V IR G I IA C N R O AN O K E DIV ISIO N WL q. r. c . R EBE CC A J. ALL , H Pl ntff ai i , V. Ci lAc i No. 7: c 298 vi ton : 11-v- D LC M A N AG EM EN T C O RPO M TI N A ND FO O D LI N , O O LLC , M em orandum O pi on ni H on.Jam esC .Turk Seni Unied St es D i ri Judge or t at st ct D ef endant s. D LC M A N A G EM EN T CORPORATI ON Thi par y Pl ntf , rd- t ai if V. CLEA N - - O T, A L Thi part D ef rdy endant. FO O D LI N ,LLC, O Thi d- t Pl ntf / r par y ai if cros s C l i D e e nt am f nda , V. SO U TH W E ST I PR O V EM EN T S, M LLC , Thi part D efe rd- y ndantc ros / sC l m Pl nt f . ai ai i f 1 / ' J ! E E ua V I t s pe s n hi ronal ij y c s Pli if Re c Hal (t ai if' or $ 1' s ks nur a e, antf bec a l ç ntf pl $ l' ee Ha ) c ompe ai f ij i s s fr whe s si d a fl on blckiei apaki 1 i ns ton or n ures he ufeed n he lppe nd el a c n r ng ot n font of Food Li Hal s d Food Lin, LLC (tz Lin' a DLC M a ge nt r on. l ue o ç ood o ' nd l ) na me Copo ain ($ ',hepr rymana roft srp mali whiht FoodLi wa l aed r r to ç DLC' t ope t ) ge he ti l n c he on s oc t Cç t s P1z '.Thi ma tr i pr snty beor t Cour on t motons f s souhwet a a' ) s te s ee l f e he t he i or ummay r j d me to F o Lin ECF No. 3 a d DLC. No 6 . lt rq iieb if h v b e ug n f od o, 6,n ECF . 6 Al he e u st re s a e e n fl and t Cour he r or l a g e on Aprl 1 201 The m a tr i now rpe f ied he t a d a r um nt i 7, 3. te s i or dipo iin. o t r a o sta f lo b t mo insf rs mmayj dg n a eDENI s sto F r he e s n h t ol w, o h to o u r u me t r ED. 1. FA CT S A ND PR O CED U R AL H ISTO R Y l c n ie igamo in frsl r j d me t ac u t tc nsd rt f csa d d a n o sd rn to o t mmay u g n , o r mus o i e he a t n r w a1 r a ona e i e e s i t lg mos f vor bl t t non1 e s bl nf r nce n he i ht t a a e o he movi pa t M a s hia El . ng ry. t us t ec l .Co.v.Ze t Ra o Cor ,475U. 574,58 ( 986 ;s eas M LC Aut .LLC. Town ndus nih di p. S. 7 1 ) e lo o. v. ofS.Pi s 532 F.d 269,273 ( h Ci.2008) l a e nt t fcsr e ntt t pr e ne , 3 4t r . n ny ve , he a t elva o he esnt m otons a e l r l undiput i r a ge y s ed. On De e be 1 1 a 1 2009,a lr n ountofs c m r 7, 8, nd 9, a ge m now f l i t Roa ke Vigi a el n he no , r ni a e Se ECF N o.70- a 2.The s o di no s r t Sout e tPl z pa ki l t Sou hw e t r a. e 4 t t nn d t pa e he hw s a a r ng o . t s l ove nt,LLC Cl hwes l o me s' i t owne ofSout s Plzaa DLC i mpr me s sout t mpr ve nt' s he ) r hwet a nd s is a nt1 The l s ag ee e be w e n So hw e t I pr ve e s a Food Li pl c upon t ge . ea e r m nt t e ut s m o m nt nd on a ed t f m e a l as t prm a y r s ns biiy f s w r m o l Se ECF N o. 70- a 1 he or r t e t he i r e po i lt or no e va . e 3 t 9. Sout hwes I oveme s a DLC t n ha a s r i c r c f s t mpr nt nd he d e vce onta t or now a i r m o wih nd ce e val t Cl a A - ta di e t d Cl a A - a tt pl t pa ki l a trt sor .Se ECF N o.70e n- Lo nd r c e e n- l o o ow he r ng ot fe he t m e 5 1Food Li i tal l s t pr ry fom Ed ns & Ava Fi ncng I, LP.ECF N o.70- a 1 Souhw e t on niily ea ed he ope t r e nt na i I 3 t . t s l pr m ovement,LLC ptr s Sout t Pl a fom Ede a Ava i Dec m ber2007.ECF No.70- at9. s lcha ed hwes az r ns nd nt n e 2 Sout tI ove e swast owne ofSout e tPlzaand Food Lin' lndl d a t tm e oft a i nt hwes mpr m nt he r hw s a o s a or t he i he ccde . D LC i a age of Sout s I ove en s Se ECF No.7 a 1 s n nt hwe t mpr m t . e -1 t . 2 at2.Clan- lotdi s butFood Li r m ane uns tsi d wih t c ton oft pa ki e A-w d o, on e i d aife t he ondii he r ng l t 1 a 3.Food Li pe s nne i or d Bra Do a DLC empl o . d. t on r o l mpl e in ud, oyee,t d tpe e out o ç ge opl her t s i c a y;t s i bad.' e; hi s r z hi s ' ECF N o.7 6 a 2.Bra D o w a a r nty una e t s c e 0- t i n ud s ppa e l bl o e ur anot r s he now r m ova nta or a al e lco r ct nd lowed Food Li t hie s e on o r om one es t c e r t le o l a he r mani s a ie.-sa 3.Food Li hie t co rcor t cea t s a ie:one e i ng now nd c Jl t t on rd wo nta t s o l r he now nd c on De mbe 1 ECF No.70- a 1 a a heron ora De mber23.J-a 2.The s ce r 9, 7 t , nd not bout ce .. t 4 now w as pie a ound a l as o of t lghtpol ,i udi t lgh pol nea e t t Foo Li n ld r t e t ne he i es ncl ng he i t e r r o he d o enta r nce.The e i no evi nce of ot r a t m pt a s r s de he te s t now or i e r oval nor a e de e t t c em , ny vi nc ha DLC i pe t d t l a trt sonn a be or t ac i ntgvi rs t t sltga i ns c e he ot fe he t nd f e he c de i ng ie o hi ii ton. Ove t co s of t ne t o w e ks r s ng t pe a ur d i t da w o d r he ur e he xt w e , i i em r t es ur ng he y ul s ei om tmes m et t s l he now i t pie; t s wae s e d fom t s n he l hi tr pr a r he now pie. Dr ng l oppi t m pe a ur s a ni r - r e t w a e ,c ea i i y s s i t pa ki l t The e c tons e r t e t ght e f oz he t r r tng c pot n he r ng o . s ondii ge r l pr va ld on Dec m be 30.Te r t eshad r a he 35 deg e s t da be or a ne aly e ie e r mpe aur ec d r e he y f e nd ha drppe beow fe zi o r ght Se ECF No.70- a 2.BrntSowes(ç r',t d o d l r e ng veni . e 4 t e r :Sowes' he ) g oc r m a er a Food Li w ho was r pons bl f r o ni t s o e on t m or ng of r e y nag t on es i e o pe ng he t r he ni Dec m be 30,e e e t so e a a e r nt r d he t r t bout 6: a .He no i e wha he des rbe a s li 45 m tc d t c i d s mal ce pa che i t vi i t oft s t s n he c niy he now pie.ECF N o.70- a 5. l 8 t Abou f ur holr l t r H al e e e t Food Li pa ki 1 i he c r H a lw a t yto zs a e , l nt r d he on r ng ot n r a . l s m e g ye r ol a had lve i R oa i ht a s d nd i d n noke he e i e lf .A fe par ng a e tng he ca ,s r ntr i e t r ki nd xii r r he w akedt t Food Li fontdoo .She s w wha a l o he on r r a t ppea e t bewa e a se rd o t r nd t pped i i, tt n t bu he we s twasacual bl c i e.ECF N o.67- at28.She si d a f l fa t i he pel s t po t ly a k c 1 lppe nd el, r c urng r vi a ba k.Sow e s t he d m a nd c r , he a nage on dut a t tm e s e ECF N o.70- a 2- w as s t d i r y t he i , e 8 t 3, ea e n t fontofi e whe a c t e no ii d hi t tHal ha f ln.J. a 5.Sowe sfle ou a he r fc n usom r tte m ha l d ale -z t ds r ild t n i i nt r poz ECF No. 70 0 a l an i pec e t ge r l vii t wher Ha lf l.He nc de e t -1 t , d ns t d he ne a c niy e l el d er i t ts f l on i c ed by t m e tng a r f e zi ofw a erf om t s et m ned ha he e l ce aus he li nd e-r e ng t r he now pie l, ECF No.70 8at6- wrtng i t i i ntr por t tt r wa a ç r ofme tng ie'on t 7, ii n he nc de e t ha he e s n ç ea a li c ' he g ot ECF No.70- 0 a 1.Sowe st k a ba ofl e M etfom t sor a s e d i Ove t r md. 1 t r oo g c l r he t e nd pr a t r he i e pa c s i t pa ki l . c t he n he r ng ot ECF N o.7 8 a 80- t 9. H a l fl s t i t s Cou ton J 27,20l1 a i t Food Li a D LC .ECF N o.1. l ied ui n hi r une ga ns on nd DLC i t n a s re a t r pa t c n ur s e td hid- ry ompli a ns Cl a A-w ;ECF No.79Food Li as ant gai t e n- lot on lo fl a t r pa t com pl i a i t Sout ied hid- r y a nt ga ns hwes I pr m e s LLC.ECF N o.34. Sout e t t m ove nt , hw s l pr m e s f l d a cr s cl i a ns Food Li ECF N o.36.The Cour gr nt d l ave f m ove nt ie os - a m gai t on. t a e e or Food Li a D LC t fl c os - ai s a ns e c ot r ECF N o. 23, pe s e pa tes on nd o ie r s cl m gai t a h he , r om ri ' si ai n,ECF No. l butt e c os - am shaveye t befld. tpul to 2 , hes r scli t o ie l. I LEG A L STA N DA R D Stmmayj t r udgme i pr rwhe eçheei noge neis a t a maeilfc a nt s ope r t r s t nui sue s o ny tra a t nd temo a ti e tte t j d me a amatro lm 'Fe R. v P. 6 a. g nun is eo h v n s n ild o u g nt s te f a ' d. Ci. 5 () A e ie su f ma e i lf texit whe a r to ltir of f t c i rng t e de i t r co d a a t ra ac ss n ai na re ac , onsde i he vi nce n he e r s whol , co d fnd i f vo of t non- ovi part Ri v.D est ano, 557 U . 557, 586 e ul i n a r he m ng y. cci ef S. opr a e y f a ng he de l e e ( 2009) tsummay j .t r udgme i appr it onl i t ki t evi nce and al r asonabl nt s i e enc dr wn t r fom i t lg mos f vor bl t t nonmovi pa t 1 m ae i lf t nf r es a he e r n he i ht t a a e o he ng ry, no tra acs aeds ue a d temo i gp ryi e t ldt j d me ta ama tro lw.' n y v. r el r ip t d n h v n a t s n ie o u g n s te f a ' He r Pu n l, t ' 652 F. 5 531 (t Ci.2011 (n ba )( i Aus nna v.Bn ofAm.Co p. 352 3d 24, 4h r ) e nc quotng he n nk r, F.d 8 6, 9 (t Ci. 0 3 ) Pu d fee ty s mma yj d me ts o l b e trdi t eCo r 3 9 8 9 4h r 2 0 ). t ifrn l, u r u g n h ud e n ee f h u t tnds atrar viw oft rc d asawhol t tnor s na ejzy c d rt n aveditf i , fe e e he e or e, ha ea o bl tr oul eur r c or t non- ngpat Se Evansv.Tec .Applc tons& Se v.Co. 8 F. 95 958- ( h he movi ry. e hs iai r , 0 3d 4, 59 4t 4 Ci.1 . r 996) Mo e ve,apa t o p sngsl r j g n ç y n tr s u o temeealg to s r o r ry p o i lmma y ud me t s ma o e t p n h r le ain or deni s ofhi pl di but . ..m us s t f t s cii f c s s i t tt r i a ge ne al s ea ng, t e orh pe tc a t how ng ha he e s nui is frtil'Ande s v.Li ry Lobbv.I ,477 U. 242,248 ( 986)(iainsomitd) sue o ra. ' ron be t nc. S. 1 ctto te . S-he m e e exi t e of s e a l ged f t di put be w e n t pa tes w il not de e t a t' f r senc om le ac ual s e t e he r i l fa n o h r s p o el s p o td moi n fr s mmayj d me t' An es n,4 7 U. a 2 7 4 . t ewie r p ry u p re to o u r u g n ' d ro 7 S. t 4 - 8 I t d, t non- ovi pa t m us pr nsea he m ng r y t oduc t i f c nty pr tve e de e' f om whi h a e t gnii a l oba i vi nc ' r s c r a o bejuy c ud rt m avedc i hsfv r Ab o Co p v. I tlI . 9l F.d 9 4 e s na l t' o l eu r it n i a o . c r r . AM n '. nc, 6 3 2 (t Ci.1 9 ) Th s ç th s mma yj dg n iq iy ...sr tn z st eplitf sc s t 4 h r 9 0 . u , t l e u r u me t n ur g c uiie h an if a e o de e m i w he he t pl i i f ha pr f r s t i nt pr , i t f m of a i s bl t r ne t r he a ntf s of e ed ufk e oof n he or dm s i e evi nc ,t tc d car t blr n ofpr ofhi cli a til'M ic l v.Da a Ge Cor , de e ha oul ry he lde oof s am t ra . t he l ' t n. p. 1 F.d 1 0, 3 6( t Ci. 9 3 . 2 3 31 1 1 4h r 1 9 ) 111. A N A LY SIS The a g e s r i e by e c of t De e nt l ge y r i e i ntc i s s t y e h r um nt a s d ah he f nda s ar l a s de i al s ue : he ac c e t tt bl c i w as an ope a obvi ha r H a l w a co rbut iy neglg nt ont nd ha he a k ce n nd ous za d, l s nt i orl ie , a t ts cn nd ha he nnote tbls t tDef nda spos es e a t lorc tu tve knowl e oft sa ih ha e nt s s d c ua onsr c i edg he s ii uns e c ton.Food Li r s s al a to la gum ent t ti di notow e a dut t pec t c af ondii on ai e a ddii na r , ha t d y o Hal snc Sout s l o me s and,by e e i DLC asisa nt wasr s i e f li e hwe t mpr ve ntxt nson, t ge e ponsbl or t ma n e he i t nanc of t pa ki l t i font of t Food Li The Cour wila le s t s e he r ng o n r he on. t l dcr s he e a gum e s i t n. r nt n ur 5 A . O pe and O bvi H az d n ous ar I t s pr i es la lt ca e D e e nt o e H al a çd y t e r i e o di r c r n hi em s i biiy s , f nda s w l t ut o xe c s r na y a e t r he asisi t upon (hei)prmies' Col a Str sI v.Pule 1 S. 2d 188, owad r t nviee t r e s . onil o e nc. ' ly, 25 E. 1 0( . 9 2 . i d t o o dnayc r r q ie t t fnd nsk e 9 Va 1 6 ) Th s u y f r i r a e e ur s ha Dee a t e p t pr m i es i a r as bl s f c ton f r he vi i; t r m ove, w ihi a he e s n e ona y a e ondii o r s t o e t n ra o a l t , o eg o j csfo isfo r whc i ma h vep a e teeo e s n be i f rin be t r m t lo s ih t y a lc d h r r me w hi h i kne ,or s d ha known, ha o he pe s nsha pl ce t r t w a n c t w houl ve t t t r ro d a d he e; o r t pl n ifoft uns f c ton i i wa unknown t he ,butwa ,ors d he aitf he a e ondii f t s o r s houl ha be n, ve e known t t def nda . o he e nt J The prmie owner howe r i nott i urroft Pl ntf' s et Langhor Rd. . Z e ss , ve , s he ns e he ai ifs af y. ne Apa t nt.I v. son,1 S. 2d540,542( 1 ) s ealoFulzv. hazeAm.l , rme s nc. Bis 50 E. Va. 966 ; e s t Del i . nc. 677 S. 2d 272,274 ( 2009)( St e ri nota i trroft i te' s ey on t E. Va. a ç orowne s s n nsle he nvie s aft he pr m ie ,butm us us or na y cm' t r nde t m r as e ss t e di r e o e r he e onabl s f f t i t e' vii.' y a e or he nvie s st' (ii Knihtv.Moor 1 S. 2d266,269( .1 ) ctng c e, 8 E. Va 942). I i w el- t bls d t t a pl i tf ca ts les a i he ha a n if nnot r ove unde a neglge e t or i û he ec r r i nc he y f t t pur td deec ofwhih t pli ifc answas ç pore f t c he antf ompli known,vii e orobvius t g r. sbl o ' o hel' ' Fre n v.Cae Co p. 1 8F.d 1 1 1 4 (t Ci.1 9 )(iig W o d v. s Pr Sh ps e ma s r , 1 3 01 , 01 4h r 9 7 ctn o Ba s o o . l c, 6 SE.d 1 ( .1 9 :.seas HarsTe tr l c v. ro hs 3 9S. 2 8 ( . n .4 2 . 2 01 Va 9 5 , e lo ri- ees n . Bu r ug , 9 E.d 01 Va 1 )(ppl ngope a obvi dee ei neglge ) Theque to ofwhehe ac ton i 991 a yi n nd ous fns n i nce. sin t r ondii s a o nandobvi haz r i nor l rs r e f t j y,butwhe r s na emi cn n pe ous a d s maly e e v d or he ur n ea o bl nds nnot dif ,i bec e am a trf rt Cour t de de. t ,677 S. 2d a 275. fer t om s te o he t o ci Fulz E. t Dee f ndan s a gue t tt bl c i upon whi h H a l si pe w as an ope a obvi us t r ha he a k ce c l lp d n nd o ha r as a m a t r of l w be a e s vol a iy s e d on wha s beleve was w a e e n za d te a c us he unt z l t ppe t he i d t r ve t houg t t per t e w as be ow f e zi s ha lve i Roa h he em a ur l r e ng, he d i d n noke he e ie lf a w as r ntr ie nd a ae t ts w r ha now coul m el a r f e z a s s w s d t nd e-r e e, nd he a now pie a ot d t lgh pol . l s r m he i t es Pli ifco e t haz r wa notope a obvi usasa ma troflw be aus he vii t t antf nt nds he a d s n nd o te a c e r st o he 6 Food Li n oc ur ed a m os t o w e ks a t rt s or ,s o c r l tw e fe he t m now no l ng r m a ned a herhous ,t o er e i t e he we t rwa smny a cea , t e sor wa ope f busnes , t pa ki 1 tl d c e r a a he s t nd l r2 h t e s n or i s he r ng o ooke l a , nd s obs r ed t g o m d a s w al d. he e v he r t s he ke Defnda sr y prm a iy on Adkion v. ize lN o.1 11 c 8 201 U . Dit LEXI e nt el i rl s Frz l, : - v- 9, 2 S. s . S 11 0 ( . Va Augus 1 2012)a s c 381 W D. . t 4, nd e ondarl o W ynne v.Spanholr 205 S. 2d 634 iy n i z, E. ( 1 .l Ad s apr e sona plwe fnihedhi wor a atmpt t vii asor i Va. 974) n kion, ofs i l o r i s s k nd te ed o st t e n as hoppi ce e .Fi ng t tt pa ki l was no pl d a t tt sor wa c os ng ntr ndi ha he r ng ot t owe nd ha he t e s l ed a ay, he r t ne t o hour l t r t fnd t t t pa ki l had now be n pl e The nyw e ur d w s a e o i ha he r ng ot e ow d. pl i if pa ked hi c r a o ne hi door whie t l ng o hi c l phone.Se i wha antf r s a nd pe d s l aki n s e l eng t a a ed t be w e a pha t he se d out of hi ve c e H e s i ppe r o t s l, t ppe s hi l . lpped a f l whe t w e nd e l n he t as l t ne o t be blc ie.The Cour co l phat ur d ut o ak c t ncuded t tt ha r wa ope a obvi ha he za d s n nd ous a / t pli if wa c rbut iy neglgen bec us he was a e t ti had s we t t nd or he antf s onti orl i t a e war ha t no d ha m or ng a t t he volm t iy s e ni nd ha t arl t pped i a s of û e as l.'A dki o 201 U . D it n pot s t pha t' w s n, 2 S. s . LEX I 113810 a *1 The c t di m i s d t pl i if s a g z e t t t bl k i e w a S t 0. our s s e he a ntf r lm nt ha he ac c s i sbl bec us t pl ntf a itd t ti a nvii e a e he ai if dm te ha t ppea e we .1 a 11. co tas r le on t r d t d. t The ur lo e id he f c t tt pl i if f ie t s a t ha he a ntf a l d o how t tt def nda ha a t lknow l dge oft bl c i e.I ha he e nt d c ua e he a k c d. at11-12. Thi c s i s tci nty ditnc f om A d s t unde m i is a plca lt Fi s ,t s a e s ufi e l s i t r ki on o r ne t p i biiy. r t he s now i Adkion had f le t t m o ni a t pl ntf wa a r t t t lt ha be n n s a ln ha r ng nd he ai if s wa e ha he o d e pl d wihi t l s t ho ls He e,t f l occ r d al tt wee a trt s w sor . owe t n he a t wo tr . r he a l ure mos wo ks fe he no t m The r s ofw al ng i a f es y pl e pa ki l c pa e t t tofwal ng i t pr s nt1 t ik ki n r hl ow d r ng ot om r d o ha ki n he e e o i s gnii a l di f r nt Se nd,c r r t A dki on,Ha lha pr uc d e denc f o whi h a s i t c nty f e e . co ont a y o s l s od e vi e r m c 2TheCour notst tt si notundiput , seECFNo. - a 1(e ciigtewete c n iinsa d lud ', t e ha hi s s ed e 759 t d srbn h ah r o dto s t o y' c ) buttke t fct i t lghtm os f r bl t Hal,t non- ovi pa t asi m us.SeeM as hia,475 U . a a s he a s n he i t avo a e o l he m ng ry, t t tus t S. t 587. 7 r a o a l jlyc u dfndt tt Dee a t h da t a o c nsnzt en tc o t h z r o s e s n b e t o l i ha he fnd n s a cu l r o t ci o ie f he a ad u r v condii Sow e s t tted t the s w i e i t pa ki l tt tm o ni f urhour be or t ton. r esii ha a c n he r ng o ha r ng o s f e he f l.Se ECF N o.70- a 5.H a lhas pr e e e de e t tD LC s ul ha be n i pec i al e 8 t l es nt d vi nc ha ho d ve e ns tng t st da l d i a1 rs ofs w a i e a e go .'ECF No.75- 1 a 2.l s t t f ct he ie iy ç l l iks no nd c r ne' unt 1 t n hor, he a s and e d e ditng s t sc e fom Ad s vi enc si uih hi as r kion. The s cond c e r le upo by D e e e as e i d n f ndan s i W vnne,205 S. 2d a 634.l W vnne a t s E. t n , f w da pr vi t t pl i ifs f l,a hea s e ys e ous o he antf al vy now ha f ln a t 1 tha be n s r ped d ale nd he o d e c a wih ç r c orand bl ' I a 635.A f w i e s t r m aned be us t t mpe aur r m aned t iat t ade. d. t ' e c po s e i ca e he e r t e e i bel fe zi i t e ui da ,but t dee nt i te l t r fe t r move ow re ng n he ns ng ys he fnda s tmptedl heeatr o e a s t m a i aly t r m a ni s s of i e' by s e ng r k s l o r t s s t t i a da ys e tc l he e i ng pot c ' pr adi oc a t ve he e po s w ce y, i l ng onc t e t f l hotr be o e t pl i if s f l I t hie pas i be w ee t o nc udi e hr e o otr ts f r he a ntf ' al. d. t l W sng t n w pa ke c r,gheplitf se r d as t aniq tppedonwha het t hough wasç dakmoit es t'Thes wa t a r sur po . pot s i f ti e a t pl ntf si d a f l t t pa m e ,br a ng hi hi I a 634n ac c , nd he ai if lppe nd el o he ve nt e ki s p. d. t 35. Emphaszng t de e nts dii nc i at mptng t r m ove t r m ani i s t ,t i i he f nda ' lge e n te i o e he e i ng ce po s he Supr Cour ofVigi asaedt tçhermani iys t weeope a obvi . J. eme t r ni tt ha i e i ng c po s r n nd ous' t 'I L The Cour fnds W ynne sm ia l ls a i bl The c ti W ynne e ti i l ry e s pplca e. our n mpha ied t sz he de e ntsdii nc i dicus i t ope s a obvi nes oft ha a d,buti t sca e f nda ' lge e n s sng he nne s nd ous s he z r n hi s t r i a co i r bl l k of evi nc t t Food Li a D LC ha done a lt y c d t he e s ns de a e ac de e ha on nd d 1 he oul o e i i t t r m a ni a r f e zi i s s i t pa ki l t lm na e he e i ng nd e-r e ng ce pot n he r ng o . The ope a i q si i whehe r as bl m i c n dif rt tt ie s ul ha r tve ue ton s t r e ona e nds a fe ha he c ho d ve bee ' n know n,vi i e or o ous t Hal.Br ke l v.Ha r l Br . I , 1 S. 2d 8 902 s bl bvi ' o l oc t r e l os . nc. 43 E. 97, ( 1 ) Ba e on t i oncusve s oft ca e1 and c Va. 965 . s d he nc l i ne s he s aw ompeli a g n smadeby lng r ume t ea h s de,t Cour co l c i he t nc udes t t r a ona e m i ca dif r a t w he he t ha a d w a ha e s bl nds n f e s o t r he z r s 8 o n a o ous The Cour c nno r e a t spoi t tt haz r w as o n a obvi us a a pe nd bvi . t a t ul t hi nt ha he a d pe nd o s matro lw; ss c t i q e to i o ef rtej r t d cd . te f a a u h,h s u si n s n o h u y o e ie B. H a ls Pot nt a Cont i or Neg i nce l' e il r but y lge De e f ndant a s a guet tHal wasco rbut rl neglgen . hiet ope a o o s lo r ha l nti o iy i t W l he n nd bvi us de e e a t c t i or neglge e de e e a e r a e t y a e nott s m e. f ns nd he on rbut y i nc f ns r el t d, he r he a The ope a n nd obvi def ns f us on t ha r is l;b c r s,a c rbu or neglg nc a l i ous e e oc es he za d t ef y onta t onti t y i e e nayss r vol s a ound t c e ve r he onduc oft pl n if t he ai tf . I V i g ni c rbut r ne i nce i a c pl t ba t r c r i a ne i nc a ton. n r i a, ont i o y glge s om e e r o e ove y n glge e c i Smihv. El .& Powe Co. 1 S. 2d655,659( 1963 ;s eas Flknev.Che a a t Va. ec r , 29 E. Va. ) e lo a s pe ke & Po o c Te.Co o Va,9 S. 2 6 0 6 2 ( .1 5 )(i e c n o c r e a ohe i tma l . f . 7 E.d 5 , 5 ' 9 7 t Va on n n t hag n t r n d ma e f rn gie ty iju n hm wh nhi o fit et e ecs d ea d ra o bec r a g s o e lg n l n ti g i e s wn alr o x r ie u n e s na l ae z wa r s o i e f rt e o c re e o whc h c mpan . Th si a o j ci ,a d n ta s ep nsbl o h c u rnc f ih e o lis' i s n be t n o ). ve s j tve sa r Kel v.Va.Elc. & Powe Co. 381 S. 2d 21 223 ( . 1 9) ubeci , tndad. ly e r , E. 9, Va 98 . t neal,q e to sofn gi e c a d c nrb tr n gie ea ef rtej r .. b twh r s rly u si n Ge e lg n e n o tiu o y e l nc r o h u y . u ee g r s bl me ma d a butonei e e e fom t f t ,t be m e q si ofl w f rt ea ona e n y r w nf r nc r he ac s hey co ue tons a o he co t' Sm ih, 1 S. . a 659.The t ti w he he t pl ntf ç a l d t a tas a r s na e ur . ' t 29 E 2d t es s t r he ai i f ç ie o c f ea o bl p ro wo l h v a td f r( r o s ft u e t e cr u tnc s' Arrp v.E. Ber e s n ud a e ce o he) wn aey nd r h ic msa e . ti ' E. ry Egui Co.397S. 2d821 8 ( 1 . p. , E. , 24 Va. 990) Bas on t r or e de e be or t Cour, t Cour c nnot c l ed he ec d vi nc f e he t he t n oncude t t ha ç e s bl m e m a dr w but one i e e e f om t f c s' s t c e t c d a ona e n r y a nf r nc r he a t ' ufi i nt o onve t w ha i r t s n r l aj r q e to t aq e to o lw. eS t 1 9 S. 2 a 6 9 On o eh n ,Hal o mal u y u sin o u si n f a Se mi 2 E.d t 5 . n a d l y h, saw t s he now piesi t par ng 1 t day,had lved i R oanoke herentre lf and w as aw ar l n he ki ot hat i n i ie e t ts ha now a i e c ul m e ta r f e z a vol t r l s e nd c o d l nd e-r e e, nd un a iy t pped i w ha a n t ppea e t be w a e . rd o tr 9 l f c ,F00d Li n c ends t t t c x of t s i s i w he he i w as r a ona e f r H a lt n at o ont ha he nz hi s ue s t rt e s bl o l o s e i w ha s t tp n t he houghtw a w a e on De m be 3 2009.ECF N o.76 a 4.On t ot r ha s tr ce r 0, t he he nd, H al pa r z Food Li al os t o w e ks a t r t s o m ,s ha no s l toni ed on m t w e fe he t r he d now a he hom e,t t r he we t r was s ahe unny a c e r a t pa ki 1 a nd l a , nd he r ng ot ppea e t be i pa s bl c ton. rd o n s a e ondii Furhe m or ,i t eslke Ha lha a rghtt a sl et tt pr m ie a e r s na y s f f t r e nvie i l ve i o s tm ha he e s s r ea o bl a e or t pur e f whi h t y a e i t d.Kni ht 18 S. 2d a 269he pos or c he r nvie g , E. t 270. $ n t a e ( he bs nce of l e r o he oo or t' d. knowldge orwa nng ofda r (l i not r quied t be on t l kout f i.'I The e ri nge , she s que ton of whet r Hal aced r as bl unde t cr umsa e t de nds on t si he l t e ona y r he ic tnc s hus pe he t f nda s xe c s d di y ar l r as bl s f t of t pr m ie a whe her D e e nt e r i e or nar c e. W hie e ona e a ey he e s s nd Dee f ndan s pr e c peli e de e fom whih a j y co d concude t Hal was t es nt om lng vi nc r c ur ul l hat l c r but iy neglge , t Cour c r ot de e m i a t s tm e t t Hal w as co rbut r l onti or l i nt he t am t r ne t hi i ha l nt i o iy ne i ntasama troflw .3 glge te a C . D ef endant A ct or Const i K now l s' ual ructve edge Bot Def nda s a gue t t t Pl i if has not pr h e nt r ha he a ntf oduc s f c en e de e t c r ed uf i i t vi nc o ha ge t m wih t a t orc tu tve knowldg ne s a y f he t e t bls a prma f ci c s he t he cual onsr c i e e ce s r or r o sa ih i a e a e. Pl ntf mus s ai if t ubmi e de e t t Def nda s pos es e C c ua orconsr tve no i oft t vi nc ha e nt s sd ç t l a tuc i tce he s c t aec n iin ta ij rd h r'Ho g v W a- a tSo e .I c, 6 F.d 4 6 4 3 pe 6c ms f o dto h t n u e e . d e . lM r tr s n .3 0 3 4 , 5 ' 3 DLC as ag e t t la s dters o ij r wh nsev lnai se e o tewe s o.Wp iaino lo r u sha Hal sume h ik fnuy e h ou trl tpp d n h t p td pl to f y c t d fn eo as mpt no rs rq ie u eo asb etv sa d r , iha d esswh te ap riua panif he ee s f su i f ik e urs s f u jcie tn ad whc d rse eh r at lr litf o c f lyund soodt naur a ex e ofaknown da ul ert he t e nd t nt ngera volnt iy ex e he s ft t tda r'Thur nd u arl pos d rel o ha nge . ' mond v Prn e W il m Pr flBa e al Cl b I . 5 4 S. 2 2 6 2 9 ( .2 0 ) Th mee fc t a a p an if . i c l a o ' s b l u . nc, 7 E.d 4 , 4 Va 0 3 . e r a t h t l itf i v lnaiyto a a t n ta h p e e t rs l i ij r d e n tme nta s ea sme ters o ij r b ou trl o k n ci h t a p n d o eut n nuy o s o a h t h su d h ik f nuy y o tkn ta a to Th a pl aino tes betv sa d r rq rsta Halfl u eso dted ng ro a a ig h t cin. e p i to f h u jcie tn ad e uie h t l ul nd rto h a e f n c y a to a d p ro me t a a to a y y. cin n e f r d h t c in n wa DLC h sn tp it dt a y e d nc t t l s b e t l u d rt odt e a o o n e o n vie e ha Hal u j ci y n e so h ve potnta da r ofbl k ie i t paki lt l f c,t e de i t t conta y:Halsaed s wasnot e il nge ac c n he r ng o . n a t he vi nce s o he rr l tt he t n ngo blc ieo De e r3 2 0 S eECFNo 6 - a 3 (Q: dy uk o yo ha t b c ncn hiki f a k c n c mbe 0, 0 9. e . 7 1 t 0 < Di o n w u d o e o e wd t a u ba kiewhe y ulA y l j bt monn o t sicd n t g t Fo dLin A: wa n tc n en d Q: bo t lc c n o e oz o he r ig fhi n ie t o o o o o ? l s o o c re . r Wh wee t o c n en d?A: d n'ha eba kieo mymi c n tnl '. eCo r teeo ec n ld s a y rn'y u o cr e 1 o t v lc c n nd o sa t ' Th u th rfr o cu e , t y.) lato ti e ie c ,h t ldi no as met rs o ij r whe sese pe o t we s o . e s n hs vd n e ta Hal d t su he ik fnu y n h tp d n he t p t 1 0 ( h Ci.200 . Acua knowl i sl- fni c tu tve knowl e wase ane i 4t r 4)4 t l edge s efdei ng; onsr ci edg xpli d n t s mn r by t Supr me Cour of Vigi a:Cg onsrztve knowldge or notc of a hi nne he e t r ni tcl tt i c e ie def c i c e tve ondii of a pr m i e or a f xt e m a be s ton e s i ur y hown by evi nc t t de e t was de e hat he f c notce bl a had e s e f a s fc e l ngt oftm e t c r is pos e s rw ih notc ofis i a e nd xi t d or ufi i nt e h i o ha ge t sso t ie t defci c ton. Grm v.Ra l ,43 S. 2d 888,890 ( 1 .Halaguest tFood e tve ondii ' i ' he.nc. 4 E. Va. 993) l r ha Li ha a t lknowl on d cua edgea DLC had c t u tvekno e nd onsr c i wl dge. H al has pr s nt e denc t So e s t gr e y m a l e e ed vi e hat w r , he oc r nage who w as i c r of t r n ha ge he so e on t m o ni ofDe mber30,s w i i t g r lvi niy oft pa ki l whe e tr he r ng ce a ce n he ene a ci t he r ng ot r H al f l w he he ope t s or t tm or ng.See ECF N o.70- a 5.H e s w t i ar t d l el n ned he t e ha ni 8 t a he ce o m t s pie a he now l boutf l hou sbeor Halfl.J a 4.Afe Half l So r i pe t t otr r f e l el Z t tr l el, we s ns ced he ar aswhe e Ha lf la no i d a t ma lpac ofi e whih pr bl wa c us due t t e r l el nd tce d l th s c c oba y s a ed o he m etng a r fee i fom t pie ofs w . 1 a 6.He wr e i t i de r po the fled li nd e r zng r he l no ' d. t ' ot n he nci nt e r il o t tt r wa a ç r aofmetng ie'on t s f e oft pa ki l .ECF N o.70- 0 a 1. ut ha he e s n s e a li c ' he urac he r ng ot 1 t W hie Food Li c a m s t tt r i no e de e ofa t lknow l dge a t i t bl t i,So e ' l on l i ha he e s vi nc c ua e trbu a e o t w r s d p sto t si n a t e icd n rp r h tle o t wo l alw a r ao a e j r t e o iin e tmo y nd h n i e t e o t e ild u u d l o e s n bl u y o c ude t t Food Li n ha ac ual notc of t s ii uns f c ton t t ca e H al' oncl ha o d t ie he pec f c a e ondii ha us d ls l uW . ng A s f D LC,m uc of t a or h he bove e de t t Sow e s w a a a e oft i e a s s s vi nce ha r s w r he c l o how t a ar ao bl j r c ul c ncu et a DLC po s se c nsr ci k o e g . o r sae h t e s na e u y o d o ld h t se s d o tu tve n wld e S wes ttd 4I Hodce, mirr t tfl ofads lyrc a aWa- r ijle t panif Th panifatmpe t a od n ro s ha el f ipa ak t lMatnt d he litf. e litf te td o v i r smmayj g n b sbmit ge ie eta mec n iefln o fs ev swa ac mmo o c re c a Wau r ud me t y u ti vd nc h t rha ds al g f h le s o n cu rn e t l n i M at trsa r s tec u ty 3 0F.da 4 3. eFo rh Cic i rj ce ti atmp a drq rdk o e g o r soe co s h o nr . 6 3 t 5 Th u t rut eetd hs te t n e uie n wld e f t s cik uns e c ton- f li m ir s a t pa tcul W a - a t sor . l t pr s nt ca e t Com' i he pe t af ondii a lng r or t he ri ar lM r t e n he e e s , he ts s ifed,bas d on t e de e a a gumentbeor i,ha t i M r Sowess w i t paki ltt tm o ni ats i e he vi nc nd r f e t t t he ce . r a n he r ng o ha r ng plc dF o Lino n tc o tese ik u aec ndto ta ij rdHal A r ao a l j r c udas fn t t ae o d o n oie f h p cf nsf o i n h tnu e l. e s n be u y o l lo id ha i D LC ha consr tveknowldge oft i i t pa ki l i fontoft Food Lin.I ot rwor ,t Cou' d tuci e he ce n he r ng ot n r he o n he ds he t t doe noti epr tH odget r quie t tSowe smus ha a t aly s n-- s d ha s e t e c ie s s ntr e o e r ha r t ve c u l ee or houl ve e n- he xa t c pot upo whih Hal si d a f l,ort tDLC s ul ha s nt te ti s t n c l lppe nd el ha ho d ve ee ha xac ce po . 11 t tt ie wa ç iea e'a 6: a ,a ha he c s t c bl ' t 45 m boutf ho tsbe or Hal' f l.ECF No.70- a 4not our tr f e ls al 8 t 5;s as Grm,434S. 2da 890(e rngt t dee tbet ie bl a ha e se f a ee lo i E. t rquii hathe fc s c a e nd d xitd or not s fcentlngt oftm et c geispos e s wih no i ofisdef c i c ton't a ou ufi i e h i o har t s s or t tce t e tve ondii ' o m nt t co tuci knowldg .Addii l Halha s te e denc t tDLC s d ha o nsr tve e e) tonaly, l s ubmitd vi e ha houl ve bee m or dii nt i t i pe ton a m ai e nc of t Sout es Pl za pa ki l , n e lge n he ns c i nd nt na e he hw t a r ng ot es i l a tr beng pl e o notc oft poorc tons oft pa ki l by Food Li pecaly fe i ac d n i e he ondii he r ng ot on pe s r onnel Se ECF N o.75- 1 a 2. nde d,t r i no e de e i t r or t tD LC t a . e 1 t I e he e s vi nc n he ec d ha ook ny aci t e ur t s f t oft pa ki l f a he e fom s ve t t l da be or t ton o ns e he a ey he r ng ot or nm r r e n o weve ys f e he ac i nt de pie t f t t t m eli s w a r f e zi w a e s e s t be e ie y c de , s t he ac ha tng no nd e-r e ng tr e m o ntr l pr c a e w ht t t m per t e a t r a s s or va la es m'und f e zi 5 See ECF N o. edi t bl n he e a ur f e now t m cil t o r e ng. 7 - a 2( 5 6 t DLC hr d Cla - to t plw tel ta dt e dd s o De e e 1 ) ECF No ie e n A-yt o o h o n h y i o n c mb r 8 ; . 70- a 2 ( 7 t Food Li hie Rie- a Exc tng f t hour ofs rmova,whih ma on r d t W y avai or wo s now e l c y ha ha ned on De mbe z3 a s i t t Food Li s hii of Rie W a c n be ve ppe ce r - s um ng ha on' rng t- y a ati td t DLC) Theeo e o t e e ie e b f r t e Co r,a r a o a l jt c ud trbue o . rf r , n h vd nc eo e h u t e s n be t y o l r conc ude t tDLC ha co t c i notc oft da r usco t o oft l . l ha d ns nz tve i e he nge o ndii ns he ot D . D ut y Food Li fz t ra guest ti di notowea d y t Ha lbe us i i m e ey atna ti on t he r r ha t d ut o l ca e t s r l e n n t Sout es Pl a.The l as be wee Food Li a Sout es l pr m e s i s t bl he hw t az e e t n on nd hw t m ove nt ndipu a y pl c prm a y r po i lt f pa ki l m antna e and s w r a es i r es nsbiiy or r ng ot i e nc no emova on So hwe t l ut s 5Thi e de ditnguihe t s c e fom W ynne v. S an o r 2 5 S. 2 6 4 6 5 ( .1 7 ) i whc t s vi nce si s s hi as r p ih u , 0 E.d 3 , 3 Va 9 4 ,n ih he pe sso rwa f u no la l b cus isrp dtelth da atrteso m a ( te te tee fe t rmie wne s o nd t ibe e a e t ca e h o te y fe h tr nd t tmpld)h ratr o a r m oves tm atc lyt r m ani s sofi .' e yse ial he e i ng pot ce'DLC m a nos h a t s de uc tempt. 12 I pr m e s6 The ques i i t s pe oft dut owed by a t nanteve w he a he e iy m ove nt . ton s he co he y e n n not r ntt be r prm a y r pons biiy. a s i r es i lt The Supr m eCour ofVigi a f c asm ia is i Ki M ar s I v.Ye ts 307 e t r ni a ed i lr s ue n nRs ket. nc. a t, S. 2d 249 ( 1 3) l Ye ts ama si d a fl i t paki l i fontofagocey E. Va. 98 . n at, n lppe nd el n he r ng ot n r r r s or The gr r s or l as d one of e ght s or s i a s ppi ce e ; t l as pl ce t e. oce y t e e e i t e n ho ng nt r he e e a d r ponsbiiy f mai ai ng t 1 on t l or The g oc r sor a t ot rt na s es i lt or nt ni he ot he andl d. r e y t e nd he he e nt us d t pa ki 1 i com m o W he t l or di notpl t par ng l t a tr a s onn, e he r ng ot n n. n he andl d d ow he ki o fe t t gr r sor hi e a co r c ort c e r t s he oce y t e r d nt a t o l a he now f om t pa ki l .l a 1 2- 3. tve r he r ng ot d. t 8 8 A i - f s hne t t c b i fontoft gr e ysor rmai d i a sus L. a 1 The oot wat xt o he ur n r he oc r t e e ne cy nd l hy. d t 79. . a s or a t m pt d t r m ove t i e f m a i n by br ki i up w ih ha m e s a s t e te e o e he c or to ea ng t t m r nd hove s a by l nd s e ng r k s l and eve t bl s l on i,butt i e r ai d.D e pie t s haz r t s or pr adi oc a t n a e at t he c em ne s t hi a d, he t e rman d o e f rb sn s .Th S p e Co r o Vign aa t d t ej r ' v r itf rte e i e p n o u ie s e u rme u t f r ii fi nne h u y s e dc o h plitf. eju h db e i tu tdta i i f u t a t eg o eyso eh da s me ted t an if Th t' a e n nsr ce h t f t o nd h t h r c r tr a su d h u y y t kee t par ng 1 i a r as o p he ki ot n e onabl s f c to t n t sor wasr po i e f s h y a e ondii n, he he t e es nsbl or uc mantna e.1 at 1 83. I afr ng t j y vedit t Suprme Co t of Vigi a i e nc d. 82- n fimi he ur r c, he e ur r ni em phasze t tt g oc r s o e di notc r f t pa ki l d a m er gr t t vol t er i d ha he ' e y t r d r a e or he r ng ot ç as e a uious un e or a ç good Sa a ia ' r t r i w a i t r I s e onom i i e e t' t r m a n ope f m rt n'' a he , t s n hei t t c ' be c nt r s ' o e i n or busnes . d. t1 i s 1 a 83. The pr en ca e i ve y s m ia t Y e ts A s i Ye t s Food Li w a nots ts i d w ih es t s s r i l r o a t . n a t , on s a i fe t t c ton oft common pa ki l a hie t i pe ntconta or t r move t he ondii he r ng ot nd r d wo nde nde r ct s o e he 6 See ECF N o. 7 - a 1 Ctvn lr s al a i s l e p n e po iefrt rmo a o s o a d iefo te 03 t 9 la dod h l t t oe x e s, rvd o he e v l f n w n c rm h , s Cor nmon Ar a.Howeve ,i La or f l t notf Te ntwihi f ( hou sa rs oriebegi t fl t e r f ndl d ais o iy na t n our 4) r Re now c ns o al hat Landl d s lca e s i s or hal us ad now oriet ber m ove fom t Com m on Ar Te ntm a wiho pro notc t c o e d r he ea, na y, t ut ir ie o Landl d,c r tf r s or ontac o now a i r m ova i t Com mon Ar a on be fofLa or N ot t tndi a nd ce e l n he e hal ndl d. wihsa ng ny acin tke by La or wih r ga d t r o,La or s lr mbure Te ntf t cos ofs i s to a n ndl d t e r heet ndl d hal ei s na or he t ad now a i nd ce rmo a.) e v l' ' 13 s now a i a tr D LC had a r dy hie Cl n- - w t pe f m t s m e t s Se ECF N o. nd ce fe lea r d ea A lot o r or he a a k. e 70- a 1 3.1 Furhe m o e t de ii n t si ony ofBra Doud,a DLC e oyee woul 7 t in mpl , d t r r , he posto e tm s pp r a r a o a l j r s c n lso t a F o Lin a s me t e d t o mananng t e u o t e s n b e u y' o cu in h t o d o su d h uy f itii h pa ki l . Afe a ce i t i was wihi Food Li s rght t r t l a e t hie r ng ot tr c ptng hat t t n on' i s mde he e s o r addii lpl e s Br a D oud' t s i o was t the t d Food Li n t y c d hie s m e tona ow r , i n s e tm ny ha ol o he oul r o one t p o t ep r i lt Se ECFNo. 0 6 a 3( inDo r c le h ssae n t b ,t y u o l w h akng o . e 7 - t Bra ud e ald i ttme t o e (f o i ha s e ve om body w ho ca c e hel us r g now ,hi e t ,I w ilpa t m .Ge t m on t n om p i ht r hem l y he t he he pr r y,1 wilpa t ,1 wilcove i .W e ne d c r now .So 1 di t a k t m t hie ope t l y hem l rt e ove age dn' s he o r awo o mv be af I si .a ts me n t ee n w.I y u c n g a e d. Hi tsi n l ne n h l. ad e o o e h r o f o a . o h a ' s e tmo y ). co d be i e pr t d t m ea t tFood Li w oul ha e t m ai e nc oft pa ki l i ul nt r e e o n ha on d ndl he nt na e he r ng ot n font of Food Li f r s e t fne pe i of tme.W hie not c l i t s t si o r on o om mde i d rod i l oncusve, hi e tm ny wo l s p o t j r fndn t tF o Lin a s me t d t o c rn f rtec mmo p r ig ud u p r a u y i ig ha o d o su d he uy f a ig o h o n akn lt o. To be c e r t sconcuso doesnotplc la lt on Food Li smpl be us i i a l a , hi l in a e ibiiy on i y ca e t s t na of Sout es Pl za as Food Li c ai s. Se ECF N o. 76 a 2- l does how e r e nt hw t a , on l m e t 3. t , ve , r c ze t t pa ki l ti e s ta t t o r ton ofFoo Li s busne s kee ng t e ogni hat he r ng o s s en i l o he pe a i d on' i s , pi he par ng l c e ri i Food Li sbes e onom i i e es,Food Li volmt rl unde t on ki ot l a s n on' t c c ntr t on t a iy rook t oc asonst cla t c mon par ng 1 tofs wo c i o e r he om ki o now,Food Li n t r a tra r nty t no o he e fe ppa e l ook ac i i m a nt ni t pa ki 1 f a s ve t t ve da pe i So e s s w i e s s t ton n i ai ng he r ng ot or e n- o wel - y r od, w r a c pot he ver m or ng of t a i nta t no a e i a i a ton,t a i t oc ur ed die ty i y ni he cc de nd ook m lor tve c i he cc den c r rcl n ? Food Li n a gue t tt r i no e de t tt s c r c or a m a l r m oved s o r s ha he e s vi nce ha he e ont a t s c ly e now fom t pa ki l t i r he r ng o n ge r ors ci al i t a e ofPli ifsf lbec us t y c d havepl e t sd l ort e plye neal pe t ly n he r a k antf al a e he oul ow d he iewak he m o e r renta ea r nce.ECF N o.76 a 2.TheCo ti unde t oblga i t dr w al r s bl i eenc i t lghtmos t ur s r he i ton o a l ea ona e nf r es n he i t f a et t no m ovi pary.See M as hia,475 U . a 58 M LC Aut 532 F. at273.The e o e,t avorbl o he n- ng t tus t S. t 7; o, 3d r f r he Cou tasum est tt t oi pende c r t sFood Lin hiedpl d t c m onpar nga ea r s ha he w nde nt ontacor o r owe he om ki r . 1 4 fon ofFood Li whie Hal wa atemptng t e t r Food Li a a Food Li m a e r t on l l s t i o ne on, nd on nag r l he c pot fe he cc de ts e hi vi nce he s ea 1 e M eton t i e s a trt a i n . Bas d on t se de , t Cour c udes pr d c t oncl t a ar a o a l jly c ul fndt a F o Lin a s me t ed t o manann t c mmo h t e s n be t o d i h t o d o su d h u y f i ti ig he o n r pa ki l t r ng o . l . V C O N CLU SI N O De e nt ha nots f nda s ve hown asam a trofl t tt haz r wa o n a obvi or te aw ha he a d s pe nd ous t a Hal sc n rb trl n gie tFu temo e teCo r c n ld sta ar a o bej r h t lwa o tiu o i e lg n . rh r r,h u t o cu e h t e s na l u y y c d f nd t tbot D e e nt ha eihe a t lorco t uc i know l dge oft haz r oul i ha h f nda s d t r c ua nsr tve e he a dous c to t tl d t t ac i n a t tea h De e ntowe Pli ifadut andbr c dt t ondii n ha e o he c de t nd ha c f nda d a ntf y ea he ha dut The e or t C o tm us de t D e e nt M o i f Slm m a y J y. r f e, he ur t ny he f nda s' tons or z r udgm e . nt An a opra e o ders lis t sda ppr it r hal s ue hi y. E R: i3@ NTE Ths* a o Api 2 1 . y f rl 0 3 , 4 H on. a esC . tk m Ttr Se orUnie Stt DititJ e ni t d a es src u BAst t sl tpoi , Foo Li a gue t isconsdeaton by t Cour i i ppr it be us t sr s t i o hi as nt d on r s hat t i ri he t s na oprae ca e hi e uls n çrdiul out çi c ous comes a dic a r m edilm e ur s. ECF No.76 a 4.The Co tt ds Rul 407 oft nd s our ges e a as e ' ' t ur m e he Fede a Ruls ofEvi nc i tuci i t s r r Rul 407 pl nl pr bisevi e ofs eque r m edi rl e de e nsr tve n hi egad. e ai y ohi t denc ubs nt e al mea lr t pr ne i nce,c pa ec uc orane d f rawani Thi r e ont oherha pl nl alows szes o ove glge ul bl ond t e o r ng. s ul, he t nd, ai y l adm ison of s si uch evi nc f ot r pur es i udi t ovi owne s p, c r , or t f sbiiy of de e or he pos , ncl ng i ng pr r hi ontol he ea i lt pr ca inay m ea ur s' Fed.R.Evi 407.Ba e on t sditnci t Co tfndsi r lva t t q ton of e uto r s e .' d. sd hi si ton, he ur i t ee nt o he uesi dut a c r t tSo rapple l eM elt t i s t y nd ontolha we id c t o he ce po . 15
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