Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_04-cv-02703/USCOURTS-caed-2_04-cv-02703-13/pdf.json

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

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

MICHAEL SWEET,

Plaintiff, No. CIV S-04-2703 FCD EFB P

vs.

O.C. O’CONNOR, et al.,

Defendants. ORDER

 /

Plaintiff is a prisoner without counsel seeking relief for alleged civil rights violations. 

See 42 U.S.C. § 1983. He has requested that the court appoint counsel. District courts lack

authority to require counsel to represent indigent prisoners in section 1983 cases. Mallard v.

United States Dist. Court, 490 U.S. 296, 298 (1989). In exceptional circumstances, the court

may request counsel voluntarily to represent such a plaintiff. 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(1); Terrell v.

Brewer, 935 F.2d 1015, 1017 (9th Cir. 1991); Wood v. Housewright, 900 F.2d 1332, 1335-36

(9th Cir. 1990). The court finds that there are no exceptional circumstances in this case. 

On April 30, 2007, plaintiff filed a request for an extension of time to file and serve an

amended complaint. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 6(b). Good cause appearing, plaintiff’s request is

granted. 

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Case 2:04-cv-02703-FCD-EFB Document 55 Filed 05/24/07 Page 1 of 2
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Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:

1. Plaintiff’s March 30, 2007, request for appointment of counsel is denied.

2. Plaintiff’s April 30, 2007, motion for an extension of time is granted and plaintiff has

30 days from the date this order is served to file and serve an amended complaint.

Dated: May 23, 2007.

Case 2:04-cv-02703-FCD-EFB Document 55 Filed 05/24/07 Page 2 of 2