Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_03-cv-06048/USCOURTS-caed-1_03-cv-06048-8/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

JEFFREY WILLIAMS,

Plaintiff, 1: 03 CV 06048 OWW YNP SMS (PC)

vs. ORDER DISMISSING ACTION

WITHOUT PREJUDICE

A. SANTA CRUZ,

Defendant.

On August 31, 2009, an order was entered, suggesting death upon the record pursuant to

Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 25(a)(1). The order specified that under Rule 25(a)(1), unless a

motion for substitution is made, the action shall be dismissed as to the deceased party. The order

further specified that absent such a statement, this case would be dismissed on November 30,

2009. On November 23, 2009, Plaintiff filed a motion for the substitution of Defendant Santa

Cruz. Plaintiff moves to substitute Defendant Santa Cruz’s successor pursuant to Rule 25(d).

That rule provides that an action does not abate when a public officer who is in an official

capacity dies. 

This action is a civil rights action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983. In the complaint,

Plaintiff does not name Defendant Santa Cruz in an official capacity. Further, While Plaintiff

may seek damages against Defendants in their personal capacities, his official capacity claims are

precluded by the Eleventh Amendment, which “bars suits for money damages in federal court

against a state, its agencies, and state officials in their official capacities.” Aholelei v. Dept. of

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Public Safety, 488 F.3d 1144, 1147 (9th Cir. 2007) (citations omitted); also Hydrick v. Hunter,

500 F.3d 978, 988 (9th Cir. 2007) Therefore, Plaintiff’s official capacity damages claims fail as

a matter of law.

The court having received a suggestion of death, and no response having been filed

pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 25(a)(1), This matter is ordered dismissed without

prejudice. The Clerk is directed to close this case.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: March 3, 2010 /s/ Oliver W. Wanger 

emm0d6 UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

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