Maria P. v. Riles

Opinion

BROUSSARD, J.

In this case, we are asked to determine the propriety of the trial court’s award of attorney fees to plaintiffs under Code of Civil Procedure section 1021.5. In particular, we must determine: (1) whether the trial court is divested of jurisdiction to award attorney fees by its dismissal of an action not brought to trial within five years; (2) whether the trial court properly found that plaintiffs were successful litigants who vindicated an important right by obtaining a preliminary injunction protecting public school children from having their immigration status reported…