Gee's Bend - Franklin case - July 20 briefs due

U.S. District Judge Ginny Granade wants to hear from both sides of the Lucinda Pettway Franklin's case by July 20, reports Bob Johnson of the Associated Press. According to the article:

"Attorneys for Lucinda Pettway Franklin of Mobile have claimed the quilts are more than 100 years old and are priceless heirlooms. Attorneys for the promoters say the quilts were made in the 1950s and 1960s and have been appraised as being worth between $10 and $450 each."

"Granade ordered attorneys to file briefs, affidavits "or other competent evidence regarding the value" of the quilts by July 20."

Later in the article:

"Franklin's suit, filed last month, accused the Arnetts of stealing two of the oldest quilts to come from Gee's Bend. The Arnetts' attorneys have said Matt Arnett borrowed the two quilts and another newer one during a visit to Franklin's home, with a promise to research their history and try to determine their age. After the lawsuit was filed, the quilts were returned to the Birmingham office of Franklin's attorney, Peter Burke."

"Burke said Friday he doesn't have to prove that the quilts are worth more than $75,000, just that his client should be awarded at least that much money because of the damages done to her by not having the quilts for two years."

""To her the quilts are priceless," Burke said."

"Birmingham attorney Greg Hawley, representing the Arnetts, said he believes the lawsuit should be dismissed because the quilts have been returned to Franklin."