Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-azd-2_05-cv-04184/USCOURTS-azd-2_05-cv-04184-2/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 555
Nature of Suit: Prisoner - Prison Condition
Cause of Action: 42:1983 Prisoner Civil Rights

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WO

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA

Terry Don Swartz, 

Plaintiff, 

vs.

Joseph M. Arpaio,

Defendants. 

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No. CV-05-4184-PHX-NVW (LOA)

ORDER

This matter arises on Plaintiff’s Motion for Appointment of the Court as Counsel.

(docket # 48) There is no constitutional right to appointment of counsel in a civil case. Johnson

v. U.S. Dep't of Treasury, 939 F.2d 820, 824 (9th Cir. 1991). Appointment of counsel in a civil

rights case is required only when exceptional circumstances are present. Terrell v. Brewer, 935

F.2d 1015, 1017 (9th Cir. 1991) (citing Wilborn v. Escalderon, 789 F.2d 1328, 1331 (9th Cir.

1986)). In determining whether to appoint counsel, the court should consider the likelihood of

success on the merits, and the ability of plaintiff to articulate his claims in view of their

complexity. Wood v. Housewright, 900 F.2d 1332, 1335 (9th Cir. 1990). 

Plaintiff’s prior Motion for Appointment of Counsel was denied. (docket #34) The

Court will also deny Plaintiff's motion to appoint the Court as counsel because a federal judge

is prohibited from practicing law. 

Canon 5 of the Codes of Conduct for United States Judges provides: “A Judge

Should Regulate Extra-judicial Activities to Minimize the Risk of Conflict with Judicial

Case 2:05-cv-04184-NVW Document 54 Filed 07/05/07 Page 1 of 2
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Duties.” In subparagraph F., the practice of law is expressly prohibited with limitations as to the

judge himself or family members:

F. Practice of Law. A judge should not practice law. Notwithstanding this

prohibition, a judge may act pro se and may, without compensation, give legal

advice to and draft or review documents for a member of the judge’s family.

Canon 5, Codes of conduct for United States Judges, Chapter 1, Guide to Judiciary Policies and

Procedures, Administrative Office of the United States Courts. 

Accordingly,

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Plaintiff’s Motion for Appointment of the Court

as Counsel (docket # 48) is DENIED.

DATED this 3rd day of July, 2007.

Case 2:05-cv-04184-NVW Document 54 Filed 07/05/07 Page 2 of 2