Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-almd-3_05-cv-00727/USCOURTS-almd-3_05-cv-00727-0/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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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF ALABAMA

EASTERN DIVISION

 _______________________________

RODNEY D. DUCKWORTH *

Plaintiff, *

v. * CIVIL ACTION NO. 3:05-CV-727-T

(WO)

RANDOLPH COUNTY JAIL, et al., *

Defendants. *

 _______________________________

RECOMMENDATION OF THE MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Plaintiff is currently incarcerated in the Randolph County Jail located in Wedowee,

Alabama. He filed this 42 U.S.C. § 1983 complaint on August 3, 2005 alleging that the

conditions of confinement in the jail are unconstitutional. Plaintiff seeks compensation for

his pain and suffering due to the conditions under which he is housed. The named defendants

include the Randolph County Jail, District Judge W. Patrick Whaley, Sheriff Jeff Fuller,

Chief Shirley Johnson, and Captain Craig Davidson. Upon review of the complaint, the court

concludes that dismissal of Plaintiff's claims against the Randolph County Jail and Judge

Whaley prior to service of process is appropriate under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B)(i).

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I. DISCUSSION 

A. The Randolph County Jail

The Randolph County Jail is not a legal entity and, therefore, is not subject to suit or

liability under § 1983. See Dean v. Barber, 951 F.2d 1210, 1214 (11th Cir. 1992). In light

of the foregoing, the court concludes that Plaintiff's claims against the Randolph County Jail

are due to be dismissed pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B)(i). 

B. The Honorable W. Patrick Whaley

Judge Whaley is the district judge for the District Court for Randolph County. While

the court cannot find any specific factual allegations brought against Judge Whaley in the

instant complaint, any attempt to sue this individual for actions taken by him in his capacity

as a district judge may not proceed. The law is well-settled that state judges are absolutely

immune from damages liability when sued under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for actions taken in the

course of their judicial duties. Stump v. Sparkman, 435 U.S. 349 (1978); Paisey v. Vitale in

and for Broward County, 807 F.2d 889 (11th Cir. 1986). 

 CONCLUSION

Accordingly, it is the RECOMMENDATION of the Magistrate Judge that:

1. Plaintiff's claims against the Randolph County Jail and Judge Whlaey be

DISMISSED with prejudice prior to service of process pursuant to the provisions of 28

U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B)(i) and (iii);

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2. The Randolph County Jail and Judge Whaley be DISMISSED as parties to this

complaint; and

3. This case with respect to the remaining defendants be referred back to the

undersigned for additional proceedings. 

 It is further

ORDERED that the parties are DIRECTED to file any objections to the said

Recommendation on or before August 17, 2005. Any objections filed must specifically

identify the findings in the Magistrate Judge's Recommendation objected to. Frivolous,

conclusive or general objections will not be considered by the District Court. The parties are

advised that this Recommendation is not a final order of the court and, therefore, it is not

appealable.

Failure to file written objections to the proposed findings and recommendations in the

Magistrate Judge's report shall bar the party from a de novo determination by the District

Court of issues covered in the report and shall bar the party from attacking on appeal factual

findings in the report accepted or adopted by the District Court except upon grounds of plain

error or manifest injustice. Nettles v. Wainwright, 677 F.2d 404 (5th Cir. 1982). See Stein

v. Reynolds Securities, Inc., 667 F.2d 33 (11th Cir. 1982). See also Bonner v. City of

Prichard, 661 F.2d 1206 (11th Cir. 1981, en banc), adopting as binding precedent all of the

decisions of the former Fifth Circuit handed down prior to the close of business on

September 30, 1981.

Done this 5th day of August, 2005. 

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/s/ Delores R. Boyd

DELORES R. BOYD

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

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