Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-azd-2_05-cv-04177/USCOURTS-azd-2_05-cv-04177-3/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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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA

Jamonz Ross, 

Plaintiff, 

vs.

Joseph M. Arpaio, 

Defendant. 

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No. CV 05-4177-PHX-MHM (ECV)

ORDER

Plaintiff has filed a Motion for Appointment of Counsel (Doc. #14). There is no

constitutional right to appointment of counsel in a civil case. See Ivey v. Board of Regents

of University of Alaska, 673 F.2d 266 (9th Cir. 1982). The appointment of counsel in a civil

rights case is required only when exceptional circumstances are present. Aldabe v. Aldabe,

616 F.2d 1089 (9th Cir. 1980); Wilborn v. Escalderon, 789 F.2d 1328 (9th Cir. 1986). “A

finding of exceptional circumstances requires an evaluation of both ‘the likelihood of success

on the merits [and] the ability of the petitioner to articulate his claims pro se in light of the

complexity of the legal issues involved.’” Wilborn, 789 F.2d at 1331 (quoting Weygandt v.

Look, 718 F.2d 952, 954 (9th Cir. 1983)). The Court must review both of these factors

together in deciding whether or not to appoint counsel. Id.

Plaintiff has presented nothing to show a likelihood of success on the merits of his

claims. Regarding his ability to articulate his claims in light of the complexity of the legal

issues involved, Plaintiff simply states that the issues are complex and will required

Case 2:05-cv-04177-MHM Document 23 Filed 10/12/06 Page 1 of 2
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significant research and investigation. He further contends that he has limited access to the

law library and limited knowledge of the law. The court finds that Plaintiff has failed to

show exceptional circumstances in this case. Accordingly, the motion for appointment of

counsel will be denied.

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED:

That Plaintiff's Motion for Appointment of Counsel (Doc. #14) is DENIED.

DATED this 12th day of October, 2006.

Case 2:05-cv-04177-MHM Document 23 Filed 10/12/06 Page 2 of 2