Jeffries

I. BACKGROUND

Plaintiff filed her original complaint on February 8, 2021, and an amended complaint in September of the same year.1 A bench trial was originally scheduled for November 2, 2022. Less than two weeks before that date, plaintiff filed an ex parte application for an order continuing the trial and reopening discovery. Smith opposed the ex parte application. Though the case register in the appellate record indicates the trial court denied plaintiff’s application, trial was rescheduled on the court’s own motion to January 4, 2023. The court held the bench trial on the rescheduled date. The minute order reflects the parties announced ready for trial. It also recites exhibits that were admitted into evidence and identifies individuals who testified at trial. The minute order further states that the court, having considered the testimony and evidence presented, found in favor of the defendant and against the plaintiff. The order after hearing, entered the

1 The record does not contain either version of the complaint.

2 following month, succinctly states the court ordered judgment in favor of defendants and against plaintiff.

II. DISCUSSION

Plaintiff primarily contends the…