Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_03-cv-01729/USCOURTS-caed-2_03-cv-01729-7/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

JESSE T. MOTEN,

Plaintiff, No. CIV S-03-1729 GEB DAD P

vs.

JAMES GOMEZ, et al.,

Defendants. ORDER

 /

Plaintiff is a state prisoner proceeding pro se with a civil rights action pursuant to

42 U.S.C. § 1983. On December 13, 2005, the court filed findings and recommendations

recommending that this action be dismissed for plaintiff’s failure to file his third amended

complaint after the court had granted two extensions of time. Plaintiff has filed objections to the

findings and recommendations and a motion for reconsideration. Plaintiff contends that he

delivered his third amended complaint to prison authorities for forwarding to the court. 

(Objections at 3.) The third amended complaint was never filed with the court. In the interest of

justice, the court will vacate the findings and recommendations and order plaintiff to once again

file his third amended complaint. 

Plaintiff has also requested the appointment of counsel. The United States

Supreme Court has ruled that district courts lack authority to require counsel to represent

Case 2:03-cv-01729-GEB-DAD Document 39 Filed 02/09/06 Page 1 of 2
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indigent prisoners in § 1983 cases. Mallard v. United States Dist. Court, 490 U.S. 296, 298

(1989). In certain exceptional circumstances, the court may request the voluntary assistance of

counsel pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(1). Terrell v. Brewer, 935 F.2d 1015, 1017 (9th Cir.

1991); Wood v. Housewright, 900 F.2d 1332, 1335-36 (9th Cir. 1990). In the present case, the

court does not find the required exceptional circumstances at this time. 

Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:

1. The findings and recommendations, filed on December 13, 2005, are vacated;

2. Within fifteen days from the service of this order, plaintiff shall file his third

amended complaint that complies with the requirements of the Civil Rights Act, the Federal

Rules of Civil Procedure, and the Local Rules of Practice; the third amended complaint must

bear the docket number assigned this case and must be labeled “Third Amended Complaint”;

plaintiff must submit an original but is not required to submit two additional copies of his third

amended complaint; plaintiff’s third amended complaint must comply with the court’s August

15, 2005 order which advised plaintiff that certain claims were not cognizable or properly filed

with this court; failure to file a third amended complaint in accordance with this and prior orders

will result in a recommendation that this action be dismissed;

3. Plaintiff’s January 11, 2006 motion for reconsideration is denied as moot; and

4. Plaintiff’s request for the appointment of counsel, included in his January 11,

2006 objections, is denied. 

DATED: February 9, 2006.

DAD:4

mote1729.vac

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