Becker v. Dunkin' Donuts of America, Inc.
Richard Becker, a prolific litigant with a history of age discrimination claims, sued Dunkin' Donuts for violating the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) after being rejected for two positions. Dunkin' Donuts moved for summary judgment, an injunction against future applications and lawsuits, contempt of court for a prior unpaid sanction, and attorney's fees. The court granted summary judgment to Dunkin' Donuts, finding Becker failed to establish a prima facie case of discrimination or retaliation. The court also issued a broad injunction, restricting Becker from applying for jobs at Dunkin' Donuts and imposing conditions on his future filings in the Southern District of New York and other federal courts against Dunkin' Donuts, due to his vexatious litigation history. Additionally, Becker was held in contempt for failing to pay a previously ordered sanction of $660.65 and was barred from filing further papers until payment. The court declined to award further attorney's fees, considering Becker's financial condition.