Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-azd-3_07-cv-08106/USCOURTS-azd-3_07-cv-08106-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 863
Nature of Suit: Social Security - DIWC/DIWW (405(g))
Cause of Action: 28:1442 Petition for Removal

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NOT FOR PUBLICATION

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA

Linda Jo Gundelach, 

Plaintiff, 

vs.

Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social

Security, 

Defendant. 

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No. CV-07-08106-PHX-FJM

ORDER

The court has before it defendant’s motion to dismiss (doc. 5) and supporting

memorandum (doc. 6), plaintiff’s response (doc. 8), and defendant’s reply (doc. 9). Plaintiff

filed an action in the Superior Court in Yavapai County seeking judicial review of the denial

of her application for Social Security disability benefits. Defendant removed the action

pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1442(a)(1). Defendant now moves to dismiss pursuant to Rule

12(b)(1), Fed. R. Civ. P. The motion will be granted.

In contrast to removal under 42 U.S.C. § 1441(f), when an action is removed pursuant

to 42 U.S.C. § 1442, federal jurisdiction is “derivative,” meaning that it cannot exceed the

jurisdiction of the state court in which the action was originally filed. In re Elko County

Grand Jury, 109 F.3d 554, 555 (9th Cir. 1997). If the state court lacked jurisdiction, the

federal court acquires none upon removal, even if the federal court would have had

Case 3:07-cv-08106-FJM Document 10 Filed 10/24/07 Page 1 of 2
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jurisdiction had the action been brought there initially. Arizona v. Manypenny, 451 U.S.

232, 242 n.17 (1981).

By statute, the United States district courts have exclusive jurisdiction for judicial

review of Social Security benefits determinations. 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). Because the Superior

Court in Yavapai County had no jurisdiction to hear this action, this court acquired none

upon removal, and we must dismiss pursuant to Rule 12(b)(1), Fed. R. Civ. P. Plaintiff may

still file for judicial review in this court if 60 days have not passed since the Administration

mailed its notice of final decision. 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). An action for judicial review beyond

60 days is permitted at the sole discretion of the Commissioner. Taylor v. Heckler, 765 F.2d

872, 876–77 (9th Cir. 1985). 

Accordingly, IT IS ORDERED GRANTING defendant’s motion to dismiss (doc. 5).

The clerk is instructed to enter judgment for defendant.

DATED this 24th day of October, 2007.

Case 3:07-cv-08106-FJM Document 10 Filed 10/24/07 Page 2 of 2