Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-casd-3_05-cv-02321/USCOURTS-casd-3_05-cv-02321-18/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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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

FELIX ESPINO, JR., Civil No. 05cv2321-WQH(POR)

Plaintiff, ORDER DENYING PLAINTIFF’S

REQUEST FOR APPOINTMENT OF

COUNSEL AND GRANTING

PLAINTIFF’S REQUEST FOR LAW

LIBRARY ACCESS

[Document No. 166]

v.

CITY OF CHULA VISTA, et al.,

Defendants.

On September 11, 2008, Plaintiff, proceeding pro se and in forma pauperis (“IFP”) with a

civil rights Complaint (Doc. No. 1) filed pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983, and currently incarcerated at

Vista Detention Facility, submitted a letter requesting the Court appoint counsel or grant him access

to a law library. ( Doc. 166). The Court considers the letter filed as Document 166 as a motion for

appointment of counsel and an order for library access.

“[T]here is no absolute right to counsel in civil proceedings.” Hedges v. Resolution Trust

Corp. (In re Hedges), 32 F.3d 1360, 1363 (9th Cir. 1994) (citation omitted). Thus, federal courts do

not have the authority “to make coercive appointments of counsel.” Mallard v. United States

District Court, 490 U.S. 296, 310 (1989); see also United States v. $292,888.04 in U.S. Currency, 54

F.3d 564, 569 (9th Cir. 1995). 

Districts courts have discretion, however, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(1), to “request”

that an attorney represent indigent civil litigants upon a showing of exceptional circumstances. See

Terrell v. Brewer, 935 F.2d 1015, 1017 (9th Cir. 1991); Burns v. County of King, 883 F.2d 819, 823

(9th Cir. 1989). “A finding of exceptional circumstances requires an evaluation of both the

Case 3:05-cv-02321-WQH-POR Document 177 Filed 09/25/08 Page 1 of 2
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‘likelihood of success on the merits and the ability of the plaintiff to articulate his claims pro se in

light of the complexity of the legal issues involved.’ Neither of these issues is dispositive and both

must be viewed together before reaching a decision.’” Id. (quoting Wilborn v. Escalderon, 789 F.2d

1328, 1331 (9th Cir. 1986).

Plaintiff contends his “knowledge of the law is limited and without the right resources

(Counsel and a Law Library), [he is] deprived of an equal opportunity to proceed with [his] case.” 

(Doc. 166). However, it appears Plaintiff has a sufficient grasp of his case, the legal issues involved,

and is able to adequately articulate the basis of his claims. In fact, Plaintiff’s pro se pleading

survived the initial screening provisions of 28 U.S.C. §§ 1915(e)(2) and 1915A(b), and the Court’s

docket reflects Plaintiff has effected service of his Complaint and summons upon the Defendants,

properly filed and has been granted a motion for leave to file a second amended complaint to add a

new party, met and conferred with opposing counsel regarding discovery, and noticed the Court of

taking depositions upon written request of ten Defendants.

Accordingly, under the circumstances of this case, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED:

1. The Court finds Plaintiff has failed to plead facts sufficient to show the “exceptional

circumstances” required for appointment of counsel pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(1). Therefore,

the Court DENIES without prejudice Plaintiff’s request for appointment of counsel.

2. Good cause appearing, the Court requests the George Bailey Detention Facility grant

Plaintiff access to the prison law library. The Court appreciates the assistance of the George Bailey

Detention Facility.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

DATED: September 25, 2008

LOUISA S PORTER

United States Magistrate Judge

cc: The Honorable William Q. Hayes

all parties

Case 3:05-cv-02321-WQH-POR Document 177 Filed 09/25/08 Page 2 of 2