Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_05-cv-00746/USCOURTS-caed-2_05-cv-00746-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 530
Nature of Suit: Prisoner Petitions - Habeas Corpus
Cause of Action: 28:2254 Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus (State)

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

JAMES R. KERNS,

Petitioner, No. CIV S-05-0746 GEB KJM P

vs.

A.K. SKRIBNER, Warden, 

Respondent. ORDER

 /

Petitioner, a state prisoner proceeding pro se, has filed an application for a writ of

habeas corpus under 28 U.S.C. § 2254, together with a request to proceed in forma pauperis.

Examination of the in forma pauperis affidavit reveals that petitioner is unable to

afford the costs of suit. Accordingly, the request for leave to proceed in forma pauperis is

granted. See 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a).

Because petitioner may be entitled to the requested relief if the claimed violation

of constitutional rights is proved, respondent will be directed to file an answer.

Petitioner has requested the appointment of counsel. There currently exists no

absolute right to appointment of counsel in habeas proceedings. See Nevius v. Sumner, 105 F.3d

453, 460 (9th Cir. 1996). However, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A authorizes the appointment of counsel at

any stage of the case “if the interests of justice so require.” See Rule 8(c), Fed. R. Governing

§ 2254 Cases. In the present case, the court does not find that the interests of justice would be 

Case 2:05-cv-00746-GEB-CKD Document 7 Filed 05/25/05 Page 1 of 2
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served by the appointment of counsel at the present time. 

In accordance with the above, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:

1. Petitioner's request to proceed in forma pauperis is granted; 

2. Respondent is directed to file an answer within sixty days from the date of this

order. See Rule 4, Rules Governing Section 2254 Cases. Respondent shall include with the

answer any and all transcripts or other documents relevant to the determination of the issues

presented in the application. Rule 5, Rules Governing Section 2254 Cases; if the response is an

answer, petitioner's reply, if any, is due on or before thirty days from the date respondent’s

answer is filed;

3. If the response to petitioner’s habeas petition is a motion, petitioner’s

opposition or statement of non-opposition to the motion shall be filed and served within thirty

days of service after service of the motion, and respondent’s reply, if any, shall be filed and

served within fifteen days thereafter; and

4. The Clerk of the Court shall serve a copy of this order together with a copy of

petitioner's application for writ of habeas corpus on Jo Graves, Senior Assistant Attorney

General.

5. Petitioner’s April 18, 2005 request for appointment of counsel is denied

without prejudice to a renewal of the motion at a later stage of the proceedings.

DATED: May 24, 2005.

______________________________________

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

2/kf

kern0746.100kjm

Case 2:05-cv-00746-GEB-CKD Document 7 Filed 05/25/05 Page 2 of 2