Missouri v. Rockwood School District

How later courts describe this case

• using the Elliott factors in a federal action under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, then applying state collateral estoppel law
• sanction of dismissal proper where plaintiff, ignoring the magistrate judge’s admonition about sanctions, refused repeatedly to answer questions during court ordered deposition
• “[I]n this day of burgeoning, costly and protracted litigation courts should not shrink from imposing harsh sanctions where ... they are clearly warranted.”
• lack of due care in promulgating a policy, or in having no policy or program at all on an issue, however imprudent it may seem, is encompassed within the discretionary function exception
• State of Missouri liable to school district for building repairs
• defendants’ fraudulent conduct considered in support of issuing injunction