Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-azd-2_12-cv-02403/USCOURTS-azd-2_12-cv-02403-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 440
Nature of Suit: Other Civil Rights
Cause of Action: 42:1981 Civil Rights

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WO 

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA 

Kenneth C. Taylor, 

Plaintiff, 

v. 

State of Arizona, 

Defendant.

No. CV-12-02403-PHX-DGC

ORDER 

 Plaintiff Kenneth C. Taylor filed a complaint against the State of Arizona for 

denying him due process in connection with a case involving custody of his children. He 

seeks monetary damages in the amount of $10,000,000. Plaintiff also seeks remedies 

with respect to third parties, but only the State is named as Defendant. The State of 

Arizona moves to dismiss the complaint based on its sovereign immunity. Doc. 4. The 

Court will grant the motion. 

 Plaintiff is a private individual who brings a civil lawsuit against the State of 

Arizona. States are immune to such suits by private individuals. College Sav. Bank v. 

Prepaid Postsecondary Educ. Expenses Bd., 527 U.S. 666, 670 (1999); Porter v. Jones, 

319 F.3d 483, 491 (9th Cir. 2003). Additionally, though not clearly stated, it seems that 

Plaintiff’s complaint intends to invoke federal jurisdiction through 42 U.S.C. § 1983. 

The State of Arizona is not a “person” within the meaning of that statute and cannot be 

liable for money damages. Will v. Michigan Department State Police, 491 U.S. 58, 71 

(1989). As the complaint’s defects cannot be cured by amendment, dismissal is granted 

with prejudice. 

Case 2:12-cv-02403-DGC Document 9 Filed 01/25/13 Page 1 of 2
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 IT IS ORDERED that Defendant’s motion to dismiss (Doc. 4) is granted. The 

clerk is directed to terminate this action. 

 Dated this 25th day of January, 2013. 

Case 2:12-cv-02403-DGC Document 9 Filed 01/25/13 Page 2 of 2