Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-cand-3_06-cv-07667/USCOURTS-cand-3_06-cv-07667-0/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 NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

SANTIAGO CASSO, JR.,

Petitioner,

 vs.

PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF

CALIFORNIA,

Respondent(s). 

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No. C 06-7667 CRB (PR)

ORDER OF DISMISSAL

Petitioner, a prisoner at the Alameda County jail, Santa Rita Facility, has

filed a pro se petition for a writ of habeas corpus challenging the adequacy of

medical care he is receiving at the jail. 

The petition for a writ of habeas corpus is DISMISSED without prejudice

to filing a civil rights complaint under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Although the Supreme

Court has not addressed whether a challenge to a condition of confinement may

be brought under habeas, see Bell v. Wolfish, 441 U.S. 520, 526 n.6 (1979), the 

Ninth Circuit has held that habeas jurisdiction is absent, and a § 1983 action

proper, where, as here, a successful challenge to a prison condition will not

necessarily shorten the prisoner’s sentence. Ramirez v. Galaza, 334 F.3d 850,

859 (9th Cir. 2003). In addition, the preferred practice in the Ninth Circuit has 

Case 3:06-cv-07667-CRB Document 3 Filed 12/18/06 Page 1 of 2
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been that challenges to conditions of confinement be brought in a civil rights

complaint. See Badea v. Cox, 931 F.2d 573, 574 (9th Cir. 1991) (civil rights

action is proper method of challenging conditions of confinement); Crawford v.

Bell, 599 F.2d 890, 891-92 & n.1 (9th Cir. 1979) (affirming dismissal of habeas

petition on basis that challenges to terms and conditions of confinement must be

brought in civil rights complaint). 

The clerk shall enter judgment in accordance with this order, terminate all

pending motions as moot, and close the file. No fee is due.

SO ORDERED.

DATED: December 18, 2006 

CHARLES R. BREYER

United States District Judge 

Case 3:06-cv-07667-CRB Document 3 Filed 12/18/06 Page 2 of 2