Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_05-cv-01465/USCOURTS-caed-2_05-cv-01465-3/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

TOMMIE L. JACKSON,

Plaintiff, No. CIV S-05-1465 LKK KJM P

vs.

C.L. PARKS, et al.,

Defendants. ORDER

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Plaintiff is a state prisoner proceeding pro se and in forma pauperis with an action

filed pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983. By order filed May 2, 2006, plaintiff's complaint was

dismissed with leave to file an amended complaint. Plaintiff has now filed an amended

complaint.

The amended complaint states a cognizable claim for relief pursuant to 42 U.S.C.

§ 1983 and 28 U.S.C. § 1915A(b). If the allegations of the amended complaint are proven,

plaintiff has a reasonable opportunity to prevail on the merits of his First Amendment claim

against defendant Parks. In all other respects, plaintiff’s complaint fails to state a claim upon

which relief can be granted. Therefore, the court will order service of process only with respect

to defendant Parks.

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The court notes that plaintiff has filed a motion asking that this case be certified

as a class action. Plaintiff, however, is a non-lawyer proceeding without counsel. 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). This action, therefore,

will not be construed as a class action and instead will be construed as an individual civil suit

brought by plaintiff.

In accordance with the above, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:

1. Service is appropriate for defendant Parks.

2. The Clerk of the Court shall send plaintiff one USM-285 form, one summons,

an instruction sheet and a copy of the amended complaint filed May 26, 2006.

3. Within thirty days from the date of this order, plaintiff shall complete the

attached Notice of Submission of Documents and submit the following documents to the court:

a. The completed Notice of Submission of Documents;

b. One completed summons;

c. One completed USM-285 form; and 

d. Two copies of the endorsed amended complaint filed May 26, 2006. 

4. Plaintiff need not attempt service on defendant Parks and need not request

waiver of service. Upon receipt of the above-described documents, the court will direct the 

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United States Marshal to serve defendant Parks pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4

without payment of costs. 

5. Petitioner’s May 26, 2006 motion for class certification is denied.

DATED: December 1, 2006. 

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jack1465.1(5.26.06)

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

TOMMIE LEE JACKSON,

Plaintiff, No. CIV-S-05-1465 LKK KJM P 

vs.

C.L. PARKS, et al., NOTICE OF SUBMISSION

Defendants. OF DOCUMENTS

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Plaintiff hereby submits the following documents in compliance with the court's

order filed :

 completed summons form

 completed USM-285 form

 copies of the 

 Amended Complaint

DATED: 

 

Plaintiff

Case 2:05-cv-01465-LKK -KJM Document 12 Filed 12/04/06 Page 4 of 4