Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_05-cv-01105/USCOURTS-caed-2_05-cv-01105-4/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

LAWRENCE BIRKS,

Plaintiff, No. CIV S-05-1105 LKK PAN P

vs.

C. A. TERHUNE, et al.,

Defendants. ORDER

 /

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

Court has ruled that district courts lack authority to require counsel to represent 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. Plaintiff’s request for the appointment of

counsel will therefore be denied.

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Case 2:05-cv-01105-LKK -EFB Document 26 Filed 04/10/06 Page 1 of 2
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On January 12, 2006, plaintiff filed a request for a temporary restraining order. 

Until plaintiff has filed an amended complaint that raises cognizable claims for relief, the court

will not entertain his request for injunctive relief. See Local Rule 65-231. Plaintiff’s January 12,

2006 request will be denied without prejudice.

In accordance with the above, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:

1. Plaintiff’s November 23, 2005 motion for appointment of counsel is denied;

and

2. Plaintiff’s January 12, 2006 request for temporary restraining order is denied

without prejudice.

DATED: April 7, 2006.

12

birk1105.31sec

Case 2:05-cv-01105-LKK -EFB Document 26 Filed 04/10/06 Page 2 of 2