Francine M. Neilson v. Colgate-Palmolive Company and Colgate Palmolive S.A. De C.V.

It is no easy task for a district court to manage its docket efficiently, particularly when confronted with a litigant who is suffering from mental or emotional problems. I therefore have little difficulty understanding the district court’s apparent desire to bring this case to a speedy conclusion that assured Neilson a comfortable settlement. No matter how well intentioned, however, the district court’s desire for a quick and a seemingly fair resolution of this litigation could not and does not displace Neilson’s fundamental rights under the Constitution. In my view, the district court…