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[[underlined]] Litigation Report [[/underlined]]

The following report describes various suits pending which the Department of Justice has been handling for us.

[[underlined]] New Cases [[/underlined]]

1. [[underlined]] Scott [[/underlined]] v. [[underlined]] Ripley [[/underlined]]

A full administrative hearing on this discrimination complaint brought by an applicant for a federal position resulted in a finding of no discrimination, which was appealed to the Civil Service Commission. On September 28, 1976, complainant brought suit in the U. S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The Department of Justice is handling the defense of this suit; trial has been set for April 6, 1977.

2. [[underlined]] Williams [[/underlined]] vs. [[underlined]] Ripley [[/underlined]]

Plaintiff, a former Smithsonian building manager, filed this complaint in the U. S. District Court for the District of Columbia on October 21, 1976, alleging that his termination was a result of racial discrimination. The United States Attorney has filed an answer on behalf of the Institution, and is preparing other appropriate pleadings. Settlement possibilities are also being explored.

3. [[underlined]] Watt [[/underlined]] v. [[underlined]] United States [[/underlined]]

This suit, filed in the U. S. District Court for the District of Columbia on September 24, 1976, arises out of a tort claim for injuries suffered in a fall on the esplanade in front of the National Museum of History and Technology. Damages in the amount of $75,000 are sought. On the facts as known, it does not appear that the mishap was caused by the negligence of the Smithsonian. The Justice Department is handling the case.

[[underlined]] Cases Previously Reported [[/underlined]]

1. [[underlined]] Expeditions Unlimited Aquatic Enterprises, Inc. [[/underlined]] v. [[underlined]] Smithsonian Institution [[/underlined]]

In this libel action against the Institution and a federal roll employee, summary judgment was granted in favor of the defendants. On appeal, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia held (June 28, 1796) that the Smithsonian Institution is immune