CIVIL ACTION NO. 1:12-CV-41-KS-MTP 03-31-2015 THOMAS PAYNE PLAINTIFF v. THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI, et al. DEFENDANTS Keith Starrett UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER For the reasons stated below, the Court grants in part and denies in part Defendants' Motions [198, 200] for attorney's fees. I. BACKGROUND The Court provided the factual background of this case in a Memorandum Opinion and Order [147] entered on February 21, 2014. See Payne v. Univ. of S. Miss., No
No. 96-CA-01018-SCT, No. 97-CA-00814-SCT. November 12, 1998. Rehearing Denied February 18, 1999. TRIAL JUDGE: HON. SARAH P. SPRINGER, DATE OF JUDGMENT: 09/06/96. COURT FROM WHICH APPEALED: LAUDERDALE COUNTY CHANCERY COURT. ATTORNEY FOR APPELLANT: JOHN R. REEVES. ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLEES: TOMMIE SULLIVAN CARDIN, WILLIAM C. HAMMACK. BEFORE PITTMAN, P.J., ROBERTS AND SMITH, JJ. NATURE OF THE CASE: CIVIL — OTHER. DISPOSITION: AFFIRMED. PITTMAN, PRESIDING JUSTICE, FOR THE COURT: ¶ 1. In April, 1993, the
The following words and phrases as used in this chapter have the meaning ascribed to them in this section, unless the context clearly requires otherwise: (a) "Without substantial justification," when used with reference to any action, claim, defense or appeal, including without limitation any motion, means that it is frivolous, groundless in fact or in law, or vexatious, as determined by the court. (b) "Person" means any individual, corporation, company, association, firm, partnership, society, joint
In determining the amount of an award of costs or attorney's fees, the court shall exercise its sound discretion. When granting an award of costs and attorney's fees, the court shall specifically set forth the reasons for such award and shall consider the following factors, among others, in determining whether to assess attorney's fees and costs and the amount to be assessed: (a) The extent to which any effort was made to determine the validity of any action, claim or defense before it was asserted