Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_05-cv-00164/USCOURTS-caed-2_05-cv-00164-16/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

CURTIS J. WILLIAMS,

Plaintiff, No. CIV S-05-0164 DFL EFB P

vs.

R. W. SANDHAM, et al.,

Defendants. ORDER

 /

Plaintiff is a prisoner without counsel seeking relief for civil rights violations. See 42

U.S.C. § 1983. He has filed a request for appointment of counsel.

In proceedings that do not threaten a litigant with loss of physical liberty, there

presumptively is no right to appointed counsel. Lassiter v. Department of Social Services, 452

U.S. 18, 26-27 (1981). The court has discretion in determining whether to seek counsel to

represent an indigent civil litigant. 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(1); Mallard v. District Court, 490 U.S.

296 (1989). In deciding whether to appoint counsel, the court exercises discretion governed by a

number of factors, including the likelihood of success on the merits and the applicant’s ability to

present his claims in light of their complexity. Weygandt v. Look, 718 F.2d 952, 954 (9th Cir.

1983); see also, LaMere v. Risley, 827 F.2d 622, 626 (9th Cir. 1987).

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Case 2:05-cv-00164-JAM-EFB Document 96 Filed 11/15/06 Page 1 of 2
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Plaintiff alleges defendants were deliberately indifferent to his serious medical needs. 

Given that the law is well settled and plaintiff’s claims are not complex, plaintiff articulates his

claims well. 

Accordingly, it is ORDERED that plaintiff’s September 11, 2006, motion for

appointment of counsel is denied.

Dated: November 15, 2006.

Case 2:05-cv-00164-JAM-EFB Document 96 Filed 11/15/06 Page 2 of 2