Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_05-cv-01669/USCOURTS-caed-2_05-cv-01669-8/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 550
Nature of Suit: Prisoner - Civil Rights (U.S. defendant)
Cause of Action: 42:1983 Prisoner Civil Rights

---

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

1

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

ROBERT GUY BAKER,

Plaintiff, No. CIV S-05-1669 RRB KJM P

vs.

SCOTT KERNAN,

Defendant. ORDER

 /

On June 6, 2007, plaintiff filed his fifth request for the appointment of counsel. 

Plaintiff’s request will be denied. See May 18, 2007 Order. Plaintiff has also filed a request

that this action proceed as a class action. However, it is well established that a layperson cannot

ordinarily represent the interests of a class. See McShane v. United States, 366 F.2d 286 (9th

Cir. 1966). This rule becomes almost absolute when, as here, the putative class representative is

incarcerated and proceeding pro se. Oxendine v. Williams, 509 F.2d 1405, 1407 (4th Cir. 1975). 

In direct terms, plaintiff cannot “fairly and adequately protect the interests of the class,” as

required by Rule 23(a)(4) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. See Martin v. Middendorf,

420 F. Supp. 779 (D.D.C. 1976). Therefore, plaintiff’s request for class certification will be

denied.

/////

Case 2:05-cv-01669-AK Document 39 Filed 06/15/07 Page 1 of 2
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

2

Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:

1. Plaintiff’s June 6, 2007 motion for the appointment of counsel is denied.

2. Plaintiff’s June 6, 2007 request that this action proceed as a class action is

denied.

DATED: June 15, 2007. 

1

bake1669.31thr(3)

Case 2:05-cv-01669-AK Document 39 Filed 06/15/07 Page 2 of 2