Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-azd-2_05-cv-03836/USCOURTS-azd-2_05-cv-03836-1/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 555
Nature of Suit: Prisoner - Prison Condition
Cause of Action: 42:1983 Prisoner Civil Rights

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JDN

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA

Gene Caprio, 

Plaintiff, 

vs.

Joseph Arpaio,

Defendant. 

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No. CV 05-3836-PHX-DGC (DKD)

ORDER

This is a civil rights action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983 filed by an inmate formerly

confined in the Lower Buckeye Jail in Phoenix, Arizona. Plaintiff has filed a Response

pursuant to the Court's Order to show cause why he should not have to pay the filing fee

immediately. The Court determines that good cause is shown, and the action will be

dismissed with leave to amend.

A. Response.

By Order filed March 31, 2006, the Court granted Plaintiff's Motion to Proceed In

Forma Pauperis and provided Plaintiff 30 days to either pay the civil filing fee in full or

show good cause why he should not be required to pay it immediately (Dkt. # 4). Plaintiff

responded to the Court's Order in a Notice of Response dated April 27, 2006. (Dkt. # 5). In

his Response Plaintiff included confirmation of his date of release and an affirmation that he

is presently unable to pay the outstanding balance given his participation in a work furlough

program and his obligation to pay for furlough fees, food, laundry, transportation, and

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hygiene products. Plaintiff has attached to his Response copies of check stubs from the

Maricopa County Probation Department which document Plaintiff's income and expenses.

Plaintiff further declares that he will pay the filing fee within 120 days from his release as

ordered. 

The Plaintiff has demonstrated good cause why he should not be required to pay the

filing fee immediately. The Court will grant Plaintiff 120 days from the date of his release

to pay the civil filing fee in the amount of $250.00. If Plaintiff's circumstances have changed

since the filing of his Response, and he remains unable to pay the filing fee, Plaintiff must

respond to this Order within 30 days and again demonstrate good cause. He must describe

his current financial condition in detail, his sources of income, his employment status, and

any liabilities.

B. Statutory Screening of Prisoner Complaints.

The Court is required to screen complaints brought by prisoners seeking relief against

a governmental entity or officer or employee of a governmental entity. 28 U.S.C.

§ 1915A(a). The Court must dismiss a complaint or portion thereof if Plaintiff has raised

claims that are legally “frivolous or malicious,” that fail to state a claim upon which relief

may be granted, or that seek monetary relief from a defendant who is immune from such

relief. 28 U.S.C. § 1915A(b)(1),(2). If the Court determines that a pleading could be cured

by the allegation of other facts, a pro se litigant is entitled to an opportunity to amend the

complaint before dismissal of the action. See Lopez v. Smith, 203 F.3d 1122, 1127-29 (9th

Cir. 2000) (en banc). The Court is required to grant leave to amend “if a complaint can

possibly be saved,” but not if the Complaint “lacks merit entirely.” Id. at 1129. A court

therefore should grant leave to amend if the pleading could be cured by the allegation of

other facts, or if it appears at all possible that the defect can be corrected. Id. at 1130. 

The Court should not, however, advise the litigant how to cure the defects. This type

of advice “would undermine the district judges’ role as impartial decisionmakers.” Pliler v.

Ford, 542 U.S. 225, 231 (2004); see also Lopez, 203 F.3d at 1131 n.13 (declining to decide

whether court was required to inform litigant of deficiencies). Plaintiff’s Complaint will be

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dismissed for failure to state a claim, with leave to amend because the complaint may

possibly be saved by amendment.

C. Complaint.

In his Complaint Plaintiff sets forth thirteen causes of action related to the conditions

of confinement at the Durango, Estrella, and Tent City Jails in Phoenix, Arizona. Counts I

and II concern the inmate population and housing at the jails. Plaintiff alleges that 20 - 30

inmates must sleep on the floor on "boats" in the day room. He claims that the overcrowding

causes stress and renders the jails unsafe. In Count III Plaintiff contends that the lighting at

the jails does not protect inmates from eye fatigue and eye strain, and leads to emotional,

psychological and physical health problems. Plaintiff states in Count IV that the pods are

intolerably loud and cause sleep loss and stress, and interrupt telephone calls. 

In Count V Plaintiff alleges that the jail staff violates his privacy by routinely opening

and examining mail contrary to jail policy. Further, he claims that mail delivery is often slow

or nonexistent. Count VI concerns sanitation and toilet facilities, which he states are unsafe

and put inmates in jeopardy of exposure to disease and germs. He asserts that there is no hot

water, and no safe source of drinking water. In Count VII Plaintiff contends that he has no

consistent and reliable access to a law library, thus, he is unable to properly defend his case.

Count VIII relates to the medical, dental, and psychiatric care at the jails. Plaintiff alleges

that the treatment violates detainees right to screening, segregation and treatment of mental

and physical illnesses. Count IX is another overcrowding claim regarding the intake areas;

Plaintiff asserts that these areas do not have hot water, clean sinks and toilets, blankets or

mattresses. In Count X Plaintiff claims that he receives inadequate recreation time outside.

Plaintiff alleges in Count XI that Defendant violates inmate classification procedures,

fails to adequately train in the area of behavioral health, and fails to provide prompt

professional counseling. In Count XII Plaintiff claims that the food service is non-compliant

and constitutes a health hazard. And in Count XIII Plaintiff contends that Defendant uses

the grievance procedure to delay and retaliate against inmates and discourage them from

pursuing legal remedies. For relief, Plaintiff requests monetary damages.

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D. Failure to State a Claim.

1. Hart v. Hill

Throughout his Complaint, Plaintiff refers to Hart v. Hill, No. CIV 77-0479-PHXEHC (MS) (D. Ariz.), claiming that the conditions of his confinement violate an Amended

Judgment in that action. Jurisdiction to enforce the judgment is retained by the court which

entered it. Jeff D. v. Kempthorne, 365 F.3d 844, 853 (9th Cir. 2004). A civil rights action

is not the proper means by which to enforce the decree. Cagle v. Sutherland, 334 F.3d 980,

986 (11th Cir. 2003); Klein v. Zavaras, 80 F.3d 432, 435 (10th Cir. 1996); DeGidio v. Pung,

920 F.2d 525, 534 (8th Cir. 1990); Green v. McKaskle, 788 F.2d 1116, 1122-23 (5th Cir.

1986). Standing alone, remedial orders cannot serve as a substantive basis for a § 1983 claim

for damages because such orders do not create “rights, privileges, or immunities secured by

the Constitution and laws.” Green, 788 F.3d at 1123-24. Remedial decrees are the means

by which unconstitutional conditions are corrected but they do not create or enlarge

constitutional rights. Id. at 1123. To the extent Plaintiff seeks to enforce Hart v. Hill, his

claim is not properly brought in this action. 

2. Joseph Arpaio

Plaintiff sues Arpaio in his official capacity because he is “in direct violation of my

civil rights as stipulated in the Amended Judgement Hart v. Hill in Jan., '95” (Compl. at 2.)

When a person is sued in an official capacity, the real party in interest is the entity of which

the officer is an agent. Kentucky v. Graham, 473 U.S. 159, 165-66 (1985) (quoting Monell

v. New York City Dep’t of Soc. Servs., 436 U.S. 658, 690 n.55 (1978)). In their official

capacities, “[c]ounty officials can be held liable under § 1983 if they act as “lawmakers or

. . . those whose edicts or acts may fairly be said to represent official policy.” Berry v. Baca,

379 F.3d 764, 767 (9th Cir. 2004) (quoting Monell, 436 U.S. at 694). Plaintiff must also

show that an official municipal policy caused him to suffer a constitutional tort. Berry, 379

F.3d at 767. The entity may also be liable when its custom played a part in the violation of

federal law. Kentucky, 473 U.S. at 166. Plaintiff must set forth allegations to show that

Arpaio either created or acted pursuant to an official policy or custom that caused Plaintiff’s

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constitutional injury. See Berry, 379 F.3d at 767.

Without any allegations regarding Arpaio’s conduct, Plaintiff fails to state a claim

against him. There are no other Defendants named who may be liable for Plaintiff’s claims.

For this reason, Plaintiff’s action fails to state a claim. The Court will, however, address

some of Plaintiff's specific claims.

3. Count III - Lighting

In Count III, Plaintiff alleges that "current conditions related to natural light, windows,

artificial lighting, and temperature do not safe guard . . . pretrial detainees from eye fatigue,

eye strain" (Compl. at 6). "Adequate lighting is one of the fundamental attributes of

'adequate shelter' required by the Eighth Amendment." Keenan v. Hall, 83 F.3d 1083, 1090

(9th Cir. 1996) (quoting Hoptowit v. Spellman, 753 F.2d 779, 783 (9th Cir. 1983). To state

a § 1983 claim, a plaintiff must allege that he suffered specific injury as a result of the

specific conduct of a defendant, and show an affirmative link between the injury and that

conduct. Rizzo v. Goode, 423 U.S. 362, 371-72, 377 (1976). Plaintiff's allegations fail to

demonstrate how Arpaio has allegedly violated light or temperature standards. Standing

alone, the allegations in Count III do not rise to a constitution violation. 

4. Count V - Mail

“Regulating correspondence between prisoners and government agencies can serve

to prevent criminal activity and maintain prison security.” O’Keefe v. Van Boening, 82

F.3d 322, 326 (9th Cir.1996). “[T]he prevention of criminal activity and the maintenance of

prison security are legitimate penological interests which justify the regulation of both

incoming and outgoing prisoner mail.” Id. (citations omitted).

In order to state a cognizable claim, Plaintiff must show that he suffered some real

injury; mere delay or interference does not state a claim. See Morgan v. Montanya, 516 F.2d

1367, 1371 (2d Cir. 1975). Plaintiff's allegation that the jail's handling of the mail constitutes

a loss of privacy does not rise to a constitutional violation.

5. Count VII - Access to Law Library

In Count VII, Plaintiff alleges that he was denied constant access to a law library and

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the assistance of a legal clerk. As a pretrial detainee during his confinement at the Maricopa

County Jail, Plaintiff’s right of access to the courts for his criminal prosecution was

guaranteed by the State’s offer of a criminal defense attorney. The Ninth Circuit and other

courts have uniformly held that the right of access to the courts cannot be violated when an

inmate is offered the assistance of court-appointed counsel. See United States v. Wilson, 690

F.2d 1267, 1271-72 (9th Cir. 1982) (“The offer of court-appointed counsel to represent

[Defendant] satisfied the Fifth Amendment obligation to provide meaningful access to the

courts”); United States v. Smith, 907 F.2d 42, 45 (6th Cir. 1990) (“principles of due process

are not violated when a defendant waives his right to counsel, even though by doing so he

destroys any meaningful access to the court that he may have had”). The Supreme Court of

Arizona follows the same principles. See, e.g., State v. Henry, 863 P.2d 861, 876 (Ariz.

1993); Salstrom v. State, 714 P.2d 875, 878 (Ariz. 1986). 

The Maricopa County Superior Court records show that the State of Arizona filed a

criminal case against Plaintiff. See State v. Caprio, No. CR2005-110444-001. The state

court records indicate that in this case Plaintiff has been represented. Plaintiff therefore fails

to state a claim for the denial of his right of access to the courts due to lack of access to a law

library or legal clerk, because he has a lawyer representing him in his criminal prosecution.

6. Counts VIII and XI - Medical Care and Inmate Classification

Plaintiff alleges that Defendant is in violation of classification standards. There is no

constitutional right to enjoy a particular security classification. Moody v. Daggett, 429 U.S.

78 (1976); Montanye v. Haymes, 427 U.S. 236, 242 (1976). Plaintiff has failed to allege how

or why the medical treatment constitutes a violation of civil rights, nor has Plaintiff alleged

any personal injury. 

In Count XI, Plaintiff also contends that Defendant has not provided sufficient

professional counseling for incoming pre-trial detainees. Pre-trial detainees do not have a

constitutional right to receive professional counseling upon arrival at the Maricopa County

jail. A pre-trial detainee’s claim for unconstitutional conditions of confinement arises from

the Due Process Clause rather than from the Eighth Amendment prohibition against cruel and

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unusual punishment. Bell v. Wolfish, 441 U.S. 520 (1979); Jones v. Johnson, 781 F.2d 769,

771 (9th Cir. 1986). Nevertheless, the Eighth Amendment provides a minimum standard of

care for determining a plaintiff’s rights as a pretrial detainee. Anderson v. Kern, 45 F.3d

1310, 1312-313 (9th Cir. 1995).

To state a § 1983 medical claim under the Eighth Amendment, Plaintiff must show

that Defendant acted with “deliberate indifference to his serious medical needs.” Estelle v.

Gamble, 429 U.S. 97, 106 (1976). Deliberate indifference may occur if “prison officials

deny, delay or intentionally interfere with medical treatment.” Hutchinson v. United States,

838 F.2d 390, 394 (9th Cir. 1988). A mere delay in medical or dental care, without more,

is insufficient to state a claim against prison officials for deliberate indifference. Shapley v.

Nevada Bd. of State Prison Comm’rs, 766 F.2d 404, 407 (9th Cir. 1985). Plaintiff must

show the delay in treatment was harmful. Id. Plaintiff’s allegation that pre-trial detainees

are not provided professional counseling and orientation fails to state a constitutional claim,

E. Leave to Amend.

For the foregoing reasons, Plaintiff’s Complaint will be dismissed for failure to state

a claim upon which relief may be granted. Plaintiff may amend his Complaint to cure the

deficiencies outlined above. The Clerk of Court shall provide Plaintiff with a Courtapproved form for filing a civil rights complaint. Plaintiff is advised that the amended

complaint must be retyped or rewritten in its entirety on the court-approved form and may

not incorporate any part of the original Complaint by reference. Any amended complaint

submitted by Plaintiff should be clearly designated as such on the face of the document. 

Plaintiff is also reminded that in an Amended Complaint, he may only include one

claim per count. The “one claim per count” rule is set forth in the form Complaint and

accompanying instructions, and is a requirement imposed by the local rules of this Court.

See LRCiv 3.4(a) (complaint must be in accordance with the instructions provided with the

form). 

An amended complaint supersedes the original complaint. Ferdik v. Bonzelet, 963

F.2d 1258, 1262 (9th Cir. 1992); Hal Roach Studios v. Richard Feiner & Co., 896 F.2d 1542,

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1546 (9th Cir. 1990). After amendment, the original pleading is treated as nonexistent.

Ferdik, 963 F.2d at 1262. Thus, causes of action alleged in an original complaint which are

not alleged in an amended complaint are waived. King v. Atiyeh, 814 F.2d 565, 567 (9th Cir.

1987).

F. Address Changes.

In the notice of assignment issued in this action (Dkt. #2), Plaintiff was advised he

must file a notice of change of address if his address changes. Plaintiff is again reminded

that at all times during the pendency of this action, Plaintiff shall immediately advise the

Court of any change of address and its effective date. Such notice shall be captioned

“NOTICE OF CHANGE OF ADDRESS.” Plaintiff shall serve a copy of the Notice of

Change of Address on all opposing parties. The notice shall contain only information

pertaining to the change of address and its effective date, and shall not include a motion for

other relief. Failure to timely file a notice of change of address may result in the dismissal

of the action for failure to prosecute pursuant to Rule 41(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil

Procedure.

G. Warning of Possible Dismissal.

Plaintiff should take note that if he fails to timely comply with every provision of this

Order, this action will be dismissed without further notice. See Ferdik, 963 F.2d at 1260-

61(district court may dismiss action for failure to comply with any order of the Court).

Moreover, because the Complaint has been dismissed for failure to state a claim, if Plaintiff

fails to file an amended complaint correcting the deficiencies identified in this Order, the

dismissal of this action will count as a “strike” under the “three strikes” provision of the

Prison Litigation Reform Act. See 28 U.S.C. § 1915(g).

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that: 

(1) Good cause shown as to why Plaintiff should not have to pay the filing fee

immediately, the Court grants Plaintiff 120 days from his release date to pay the statutory

filing fee of $250.00 for this action. 

(2) If Plaintiff's circumstances have changed since the filing of his Response and he

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remains unable to pay the filing fee, Plaintiff must respond to this Order within 30 days and

again demonstrate good cause.

(3) The Complaint is dismissed for failure to state a claim. Plaintiff shall have 30

days from the date this Order is filed to file an Amended Complaint in compliance with this

Order.

(4) The Clerk of Court shall enter a judgment of dismissal of this action with

prejudice and without further notice to Plaintiff, if Plaintiff fails to file an amended complaint

within thirty (30) days of the date this Order is filed. Upon entry of judgment, the Clerk shall

make an entry on the docket in this matter indicating that the dismissal of this action falls

within the purview of 28 U.S.C. § 1915(g).

(5) Aside from the two copies of the petition or amended petition that must be

submitted pursuant to Rule 3.5(a) of the Local Rules of Civil Procedure, a clear, legible copy

of every pleading or other document filed shall accompany each original pleading or other

document filed with the Clerk for use by the District Judge or Magistrate Judge to whom the

case is assigned. See LRCiv 5.4. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in the

pleading or document being stricken without further notice to Plaintiff.

(6) The Clerk of Court shall provide to Plaintiff a current court-approved form for

filing a civil rights complaint by a prisoner.

DATED this 3rd day of May, 2006.

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Revised 2/7/05 1

INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR A

PRISONER FILING CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLAINT

 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA

I. General Information About the Civil Rights Complaint Form:

A. The Form. The civil rights complaint form is designed to help prisoners prepare a

complaint seeking relief for a violation of their federal civil rights. Local Rule of Civil Procedure

3.4(a) requires that prisoner civil rights complaints be filed on the court-approved form. Your

complaint must be typewritten or legibly handwritten. All information must be clearly and

concisely written, only in the space provided on the form. If needed, you may attach no more

than fifteen additional pages of standard letter size paper to continue any part of the complaint.

You must identify which part of the complaint is being continued and number all pages.

B. Your Signature. You must sign the complaint. Your signature constitutes a certificate that:

1) you have read the complaint; 2) to the best of your knowledge, information and belief formed

after reasonable inquiry it is well grounded in fact and law; and 3) it is not being filed for any

improper purpose. Please review Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Rule 11

provides for the imposition of sanctions if the complaint is signed in violation of the Rule. 

C. The Filing Fee. You must pay the $250.00 filing fee. If you are unable to pay the filing

fee when the complaint is filed, you may request leave to proceed in forma pauperis. Please

review the "Information for Prisoners Seeking Leave to Proceed with a (Non-Habeas) Civil

Action in Federal Court In Forma Pauperis Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915" for more

information.

D. Court Divisions. If you resided in Maricopa, Pinal, Yuma, La Paz, or Gila county when

your rights were allegedly violated, you should file your complaint in the Phoenix Division of

the court. If you resided in Apache, Navajo, Coconino, Mohave, or Yavapai county when your

rights were allegedly violated, you should file your complaint in the Prescott Division of the

court. If you resided in Pima, Cochise, Santa Cruz, Graham, or Greenlee county when your

rights were allegedly violated, you should file your complaint in the Tucson Division of the court.

See LRCiv 5.1(a) and 77.1(a). 

You should mail THE ORIGINAL AND ONE COPY of your complaint with the

$250.00 filing fee or the application to proceed in forma pauperis to:

Phoenix & Prescott Divisions: OR Tucson Division:

U.S. District Court Clerk U.S. District Court Clerk

U.S. Courthouse, Suite 321 U.S. Courthouse, Suite 1500

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401 West Washington Street, SPC 10 405 West Congress Street

Phoenix, Arizona 85003-2119 Tucson, Arizona 85701-5010

E. Certificate of Service on Defendants. You must furnish the opposing party or their attorney

with a copy of any document you submit to the court (except the initial complaint and

application to proceed in forma pauperis). Pursuant to Rules 5(a) and (d) of the Federal Rules

of Civil Procedure, each original document (except the initial complaint and application for leave

to proceed in forma pauperis) must include a certificate of service on the last page of the

document stating the date a copy of the document was mailed to the opposing party or their

attorney and the address to which it was mailed. Any document received by the court which

does not include a certificate of service may be stricken. A certificate of service should be in

the following form:

I hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing document was mailed

this day of (month) , (year) , to:

Name: 

Address: 

 Attorney for Defendant(s)/Respondent(s)

 

(Signature)

F. Original and Judge's Copy. You must furnish an original and one copy of any document

submitted to the court. You must furnish one additional copy to the clerk if you wish to have

a file-stamped copy of the document returned to you. All copies must be identical to the

original.

G. Exhibits. You should not submit exhibits with the complaint. Instead, the relevant

information should be paraphrased in the complaint. You should keep the exhibits to use to

support or oppose a motion for summary judgment or at trial.

H. Change of Address. You must immediately notify the clerk and the opposing party or their

attorney in writing of any change in your mailing address. Failure to notify the court of any

change in your mailing address may result in the dismissal of your case.

I. Amended Complaint. If you need to change any of the information in the initial complaint,

you must file an amended complaint. The amended complaint must be written on the courtapproved civil rights complaint form. Rule 15(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure allows

you to file one amended complaint prior to any defendant filing an answer. After any defendant

has filed an answer, you must file a motion for leave to amend and lodge a proposed amended

complaint. Local Rule of Civil Procedure 15.1(a)(2) prohibits any amended pleading from

referencing any prior pleading. Further, any allegations or defendants not included in the

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amended complaint are considered dismissed.

J. Letters and Motions. It is generally inappropriate to write a letter to any of the District

Judges, Magistrates Judges, or the staff of any of the judicial officers. The appropriate way to

communicate with these persons is by filing a written pleading or motion. 

II. Completing the Civil Rights Complaint Form:

HEADING:

1. Your Name. Print your name, prison or jail inmate number, and mailing address on

the lines provided. 

2. Defendants. Print the names of each of your defendants. If you name more than

four defendants, you should print the name of one defendant and "see additional page

for defendants" in the space provided. On the additional page you must list the names

of all of the defendants. This additional page should be inserted after page 1 and

numbered as page "1-A" at the bottom of the page. The initial complaint must contain

the names of all of the parties (plaintiffs as well as defendants) in the heading (or on the

additional page if more than four defendants). See Rule 10(a) of the Federal Rules of

Civil Procedure.

3. Jury Demand. If you want a jury trial, you must write "JURY TRIAL DEMANDED"

on the line below "CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLAINT BY A PRISONER.” Failure to do so

will result in the loss of the right to a jury trial. A jury trial is not available if you are

seeking only injunctive relief.

Part A. JURISDICTION:

1. Nature of Suit. Mark whether you are filing the complaint pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §

1983 for state, county, or city defendants; "Bivens v. Six Unknown Federal Narcotics

Agents" for federal defendants; or "other." If you mark "other," identify the source of

that authority. 

2. Plaintiff. Print all of the requested information on the spaces provided. Identify the

institution and city where the alleged violation of your rights occurred. 

3. Defendants. Print all of the requested information about each of the defendants in

the spaces provided. If you are naming more than four defendants, you must provide the

necessary information about each additional defendant on a separate page. Label the

page(s) as "2-A," "2-B," etc., at the bottom of the page and insert the additional

page(s) immediately behind page 2.

Part B. PREVIOUS LAWSUITS:

You must identify any other lawsuit you have filed in either state or federal court while

you were a prisoner. Print all of the requested information about each lawsuit in the spaces

provided. If you have filed more than three lawsuits, you must provide the necessary

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information about each additional lawsuit on a separate page. Label the page(s) as "2-A," "2-

B," etc., at the bottom of the page and insert the additional page(s) immediately behind page

2.

Part C. CAUSE OF ACTION:

You must identify what rights the defendant(s) violated. The form provides space to

allege three separate counts (one violation per count). If you are alleging more than three

counts, you must provide the necessary information about each additional count on a separate

page. Number the additional pages "5-A", "5-B", etc., and insert them immediately behind

page 5. Remember that you are limited to a total of fifteen additional pages.

 

1. Counts. You must identify which civil right was violated. YOU MAY ALLEGE THE

VIOLATION OF ONLY ONE CIVIL RIGHTS CLAIM PER COUNT.

2. Issue Involved. Check the box that most closely identifies the issue involved in your

claim. YOU MAY CHECK ONLY ONE BOX PER COUNT. If you check the box

marked “Other,” you must identify the specific issue involved in the space provided.

3. Supporting Facts. After you have identified which civil right was violated, you need

to state the supporting facts. Be as specific as possible. You must state what each

individual defendant did to violate your rights. If there is more than one defendant, you

need to identify which defendant did what act. You also need to state the date(s) on

which the act(s) occurred if possible.

4. Injury. State precisely how you were injured by the alleged violation of your rights.

5. Administrative Remedies. Exhaustion of administrative remedies is a prerequisite

to filing a civil rights complaint. 42 U.S.C. § 1997e requires prisoners to exhaust the

available administrative remedies before being allowed to file a civil rights action.

Consequently, you must disclose whether you have exhausted the inmate grievance

procedures or administrative appeals for each count in your complaint. If one of your

counts is exempt from the grievance procedures or administrative appeals, fully explain

the exemption on the lines provided.

Part D. REQUEST FOR RELIEF:

Print the relief you are seeking in the space provided. 

SIGNATURE:

You must sign your name and print the date you signed the complaint. Your signature

must be an original signature, not a photocopy. 

FINAL NOTE

You should follow these instructions carefully. Failure to do so may result in your

complaint being stricken or dismissed by the court. All questions must be answered concisely

Case 2:05-cv-03836-DGC--DKD Document 6 Filed 05/05/06 Page 13 of 21
5

in the proper space on the form. If needed, you may attach no more than fifteen additional

pages. The form, however, must be completely filled in to the extent applicable. If you attach

additional pages, be sure to identify which section of the complaint is being continued and

number the pages.

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Revised 2/7/05 1 550/555

Name and Prisoner/Booking Number

Place of Confinement

Mailing Address

City, State, Zip Code

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA

)

 , )

(Full Name of Plaintiff) Plaintiff, )

)

 vs. ) CASE NO. 

) (To be supplied by the Clerk)

 , )

)

 , )

) CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLAINT

 ,) BY A PRISONER

)

 , ) G Original Complaint

(Full Name of Each Defendant) Defendant(s). ) G First Amended Complaint

) G Second Amended Complaint

A. JURISDICTION

1. This Court has jurisdiction over this action pursuant to:

a. G 28 U.S.C. § 1343(a)(3); 42 U.S.C. § 1983

b. G 28 U.S.C. § 1331; Bivens v. Six Unknown Federal Narcotics Agents, 403 U.S. 388 (1971).

c. G Other: (Please specify.) .

2. Name of Plaintiff: .

Present mailing address: .

(Failure to notify the Court of your change of address may result in dismissal of this action.)

Institution/city where violation occurred: .

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2

3. Name of first Defendant: . The first Defendant is employed as:

at . (Position and Title) (Institution)

The first Defendant is sued in his/her: G individual capacity G official capacity (check one or both).

Explain how the first Defendant was acting under color of law: 

.

4. Name of second Defendant: . The second Defendant is employed as:

at . (Position and Title) (Institution)

The second Defendant is sued in his/her: G individual capacity G official capacity (check one or both).

Explain how the second Defendant was acting under color of law: 

.

5. Name of third Defendant: . The third Defendant is employed as:

at . (Position and Title) (Institution)

The third Defendant is sued in his/her: G individual capacity G official capacity (check one or both).

Explain how the third Defendant was acting under color of law: 

.

6. Name of fourth Defendant: . The fourth Defendant is employed as:

at . (Position and Title) (Institution)

The fourth Defendant is sued in his/her: G individual capacity G official capacity (check one or both).

Explain how the fourth Defendant was acting under color of law: 

.

(If you name more than four Defendants, answer the questions listed above for each additional Defendant on a separate page.)

B. PREVIOUS LAWSUITS

1. Have you filed any other lawsuits while you were a prisoner? G Yes G No

2. If your answer is "yes," how many lawsuits have you filed? . Describe the previous lawsuits in the

spaces provided below.

3. First prior lawsuit:

a. Parties to previous lawsuit:

Plaintiff: .

Defendants: 

.

Case 2:05-cv-03836-DGC--DKD Document 6 Filed 05/05/06 Page 16 of 21
3

b. Court: (If federal court, identify the district; if state court, identify the county.) 

.

c. Case or docket number: .

d. Claims raised: 

e. Disposition: (For example: Was the case dismissed? Was it appealed? Is it still pending?) 

.

f. Approximate date lawsuit was filed: .

g. Approximate date of disposition: .

4. Second prior lawsuit:

a. Parties to previous lawsuit:

Plaintiff: .

Defendants: 

.

b. Court: (If federal court, identify the district; if state court, identify the county.) 

.

c. Case or docket number: .

d. Claims raised: 

.

e. Disposition: (For example: Was the case dismissed? Was it appealed? Is it still pending?) 

.

f. Approximate date lawsuit was filed: .

g. Approximate date of disposition: .

5. Third prior lawsuit:

a. Parties to previous lawsuit:

Plaintiff: .

Defendants: 

.

b. Court: (If federal court, identify the district; if state court, identify the county.) 

.

c. Case or docket number: .

d. Claims raised: 

.

e. Disposition: (For example: Was the case dismissed? Was it appealed? Is it still pending?) 

.

f. Approximate date lawsuit was filed: .

g. Approximate date of disposition: .

(If you filed more than three lawsuits, answer the questions listed above for each additional lawsuit on a separate page.)

Case 2:05-cv-03836-DGC--DKD Document 6 Filed 05/05/06 Page 17 of 21
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C. CAUSE OF ACTION

COUNT I

1. The following constitutional or other federal civil right has been violated by the Defendant(s): 

.

2. Count I involves: (Check only one; if your claim involves more than one issue, each issue should be stated

in a different count) G Mail G Access to the court G Medical care 

G Disciplinary proceedings G Property G Exercise of religion G Retaliation

G Excessive force by an officer G Threat to safety G Other: .

3. Supporting Facts: (State as briefly as possible the FACTS supporting Count I. Describe exactly what each

Defendant did or did not do to violate your rights. State the facts clearly in your own words without citing legal

authority or arguments).

.

4. Injury: (State how you have been injured by the actions or inactions of the Defendant(s)).

.

5. Administrative Remedies:

a. Are there any administrative remedies (grievance procedures or administrative appeals) available at

your institution? G Yes G No

b. Did you submit a request for administrative relief on Count I? G Yes G No

c. Did you appeal your request for relief on Count I to the highest level? G Yes G No

d. If you did not submit or appeal a request for administrative relief to the highest level, briefly explain

why you did not. 

.

Case 2:05-cv-03836-DGC--DKD Document 6 Filed 05/05/06 Page 18 of 21
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COUNT II

1. The following constitutional or other federal civil right has been violated by the Defendant(s): 

.

2. Count II involves: (Check only one; if your claim involves more than one issue, each issue should be stated

in a different count) G Mail G Access to the court G Medical care 

G Disciplinary proceedings G Property G Exercise of religion G Retaliation

G Excessive force by an officer G Threat to safety G Other: .

3. Supporting Facts: (State as briefly as possible the FACTS supporting Count II. Describe exactly what

each Defendant did or did not do to violate your rights. State the facts clearly in your own words without citing

legal authority or arguments).

.

4. Injury: (State how you have been injured by the actions or inactions of the Defendant(s)).

.

5. Administrative Remedies:

a. Are there any administrative remedies (grievance procedures or administrative appeals) available at

your institution? G Yes G No

b. Did you submit a request for administrative relief on Count II? G Yes G No

c. Did you appeal your request for relief on Count II to the highest level? G Yes G No

d. If you did not submit or appeal a request for administrative relief to the highest level, briefly explain

why you did not. 

.

Case 2:05-cv-03836-DGC--DKD Document 6 Filed 05/05/06 Page 19 of 21
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COUNT III

1. The following constitutional or other federal civil right has been violated by the Defendant(s): 

.

2. Count III involves: (Check only one; if your claim involves more than one issue, each issue should be stated

in a different count) G Mail G Access to the court G Medical care 

G Disciplinary proceedings G Property G Exercise of religion G Retaliation

G Excessive force by an officer G Threat to safety G Other: .

3. Supporting Facts: (State as briefly as possible the FACTS supporting Count III. Describe exactly what

each Defendant did or did not do to violate your rights. State the facts clearly in your own words without citing

legal authority or arguments).

.

4. Injury: (State how you have been injured by the actions or inactions of the Defendant(s)).

.

5. Administrative Remedies:

a. Are there any administrative remedies (grievance procedures or administrative appeals) available at

your institution? G Yes G No

b. Did you submit a request for administrative relief on Count III? G Yes G No

c. Did you appeal your request for relief on Count III to the highest level? G Yes G No

d. If you did not submit or appeal a request for administrative relief to the highest level, briefly explain

why you did not. 

.

(If you assert more than three Counts, answer the questions listed above for each additional Count on a separate page.)

Case 2:05-cv-03836-DGC--DKD Document 6 Filed 05/05/06 Page 20 of 21
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D. REQUEST FOR RELIEF

State briefly exactly what you want the Court to do for you.

.

I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Executed on 

DATE SIGNATURE OF PLAINTIFF

(Name and title of paralegal, legal assistant, or

other person who helped prepare this complaint)

(Signature of attorney, if any)

(Attorney’s address & telephone number)

ADDITIONAL PAGES

All questions must be answered concisely in the proper space on the form. If needed, you may attach no more

than fifteen additional pages. The form, however, must be completely filled in to the extent applicable.

Case 2:05-cv-03836-DGC--DKD Document 6 Filed 05/05/06 Page 21 of 21