Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_13-cv-01931/USCOURTS-caed-1_13-cv-01931-4/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 550
Nature of Suit: Prisoner - Civil Rights (U.S. defendant)
Cause of Action: 42:1983 Prisoner Civil Rights

---

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

1

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

ROBERT G. BAKER

Plaintiff,

v.

CONNIE GIPSON, et al.,

Defendants.

CASE NO. 1:13-cv-01931-MJS (PC)

ORDER (1) STRIKING DECLARATION 

(ECF No. 20), AND (2) STRIKING 

OBJECTIONS (ECF No. 22)

Plaintiff is a state prisoner proceeding pro se and in forma pauperis in this civil 

rights action brought pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983. (ECF Nos. 7 & 10.) The action 

proceeds against Defendant Kitt on Plaintiff’s Eighth Amendment inadequate medical 

care claim. (ECF No. 11.)

Defendant Kitt failed to timely answer the complaint and default was entered 

against him. (ECF Nos. 17 & 18.) On December 22, 2014, Defendant filed a motion to 

set aside entry of default. (ECF No. 19.) Thereafter, on January 12, 2015, Plaintiff filed a 

declaration detailing his encounters with Defendant Kitt and alleged ensuing injuries. 

(ECF No. 20.) On January 29, 2015, Defendant filed objections to Plaintiff’s declaration. 

(ECF No. 22.) The Court granted Defendant’s motion to set aside default on February 5, 

2015. (ECF No. 23.) 

Defendant’s objections to Plaintiff’s declaration were filed after entry of default, 

and before the default was set aside. (See ECF Nos. 18 & 23.) The entry of default cut 

Case 1:13-cv-01931-MJS Document 24 Filed 02/06/15 Page 1 of 2
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

2

off Defendant’s right to appear in this action. See Clifton v. Tomb, 21 F.2d 893, 897 (4th 

Cir. 1927); see also Campos v. Fed. Home Loan Servs., No. 2:13-cv-494-MCE-EFB PS, 

2013 WL 5375525 (Sept. 24, 2013) (“Entry of default against a defendant cuts off that 

defendant’s right to appear in the action or to present evidence.”); Schwarzer et al., 

FEDERAL CIVIL PROCEDURE BEFORE TRIAL, ¶ 6:42 (2004). Accordingly, 

Defendant’s objections are improper and will be stricken.

Nevertheless, the Court cannot serve as a repository for the parties' evidence 

(e.g., prison or medical records, affidavits, declarations, etc.). The parties may not file 

evidence with the Court until the course of litigation brings the evidence into question (for 

example, on a motion for summary judgment, at trial, or when requested by the Court). 

Presently, no motions for summary judgment are before the Court, and no trial date has 

been set. Plaintiff’s motion for default judgment (ECF No. 15) was denied without 

prejudice (ECF No. 19), and was not renewed. Therefore, Plaintiff’s declaration will be 

stricken.

Based on the foregoing, it is HEREBY ORDERED that:

1. Plaintiff’s declaration (ECF No. 20) is STRICKEN from the record; and

2. Defendant’s objections (ECF No. 22) are STRICKEN from the record.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: February 5, 2015 /s/Michael J. Seng 

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:13-cv-01931-MJS Document 24 Filed 02/06/15 Page 2 of 2