Favale v. Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport
United States District Court for the District of Connecticut
233 F.R.D. 243 (2005)
Maryann Favale (plaintiff) worked for Saint Joseph's School for 21 years before Sister Bernice Stobierski became principal. Favale alleged that between December 2002 and June 2003, Stobierski sexually harassed her through inappropriate touching, sexually suggestive comments, and lewd behavior. Favale sued the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport (defendant), Stobierski's employer, for sexual harassment, retaliation, defamation, emotional distress, and negligent hiring and supervision. She moved to compel Stobierski to testify about, and the Diocese to produce records of, any prior anger-management or psychiatric treatment Stobierski had received.
Whether a party must show that requested discovery is relevant to a claim or defense in the case in order to prevail on a motion to compel.