Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_02-cv-05646/USCOURTS-caed-1_02-cv-05646-15/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 Judicial notice is taken of the proceedings in 1:04-cv-05595-DLB PC Lopez v. Scribner, et al. 1

1

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

RANDALL E. ELLIS,

Plaintiff,

v.

STEVEN CAMBRA, JR., et al.,

Defendants.

 /

CASE NO. 1:02-cv-05646-AWI-SMS PC

ORDER REQUIRING PLAINTIFF TO FILE

STATUS REPORT REGARDING HIS

ABILITY TO ACCESS HIS INMATE

WITNESSES

(Docs. 113 and 115)

Plaintiff Randall E. Ellis (“Plaintiff”) is a state prisoner proceeding pro se and in forma

pauperis in this civil rights action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983. On April 30, 2008, Plaintiff filed

a motion for reconsideration of the Court’s order denying his motion for an order allowing him to

obtain inmate witness declarations. (Docs. 108, 113.) On May 15, 2008, Plaintiff notified the Court

that his request to communicate with his inmate witnesses had been approved by prison officials but

his transfer as a witness in a jury trial in this court was pending. (Doc. 115.) That jury trial has

concluded and Plaintiff has now been transferred back to Pelican Bay State Prison. (Doc. 118.) 1

Plaintiff’s ability to access his witnesses via permission granted by prison officials directly affects

whether it is necessary for the Court to intervene in some capacity.

Intervention into this matter via court order imposes a burden on the resources of both the

Court and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Plaintiff seeks to obtain

witness declarations. Assuming permission from prison officials can again be obtained, it is

Case 1:02-cv-05646-AWI -SKO Document 119 Filed 08/22/08 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

undoubtedly less complicated and more efficient for the Court not to intervene. To that end, Plaintiff

shall file a status report notifying the Court whether he has permission to communicate with his

witnesses and will be allowed to obtain the declarations without the Court’s intervention. If that is

the case, Plaintiff should notify the Court that his motion for reconsideration is moot. If counsel

believes she can be of assistance in this matter informally and is so willing, counsel is invited to do

so. 

If Plaintiff notifies the Court that he is unable to establish communication without the Court’s

intervention, the Court will issue a ruling on his motion for reconsideration as supplemented by the

status report.

Accordingly, within thirty (30) days from the date ofservice of this order, Plaintiff shall file

a status report regarding his ability to communicate with his inmate witnesses.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: August 21, 2008 /s/ Sandra M. Snyder 

icido3 UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:02-cv-05646-AWI -SKO Document 119 Filed 08/22/08 Page 2 of 2