Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_03-cv-05363/USCOURTS-caed-1_03-cv-05363-15/pdf.json

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

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

MICHAEL GONZALES,

Plaintiff,

v.

TOMLIN, et al.,

Defendants.

 /

CASE NO. 1:03-cv-05363-LJO-DLB PC

ORDER PROVIDING TRAVEL EXPENSE

FOR PLAINTIFF’S PROPOSED 

UNINCARCERATED WITNESSES

[Docs. 95, 100]

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

pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983. On February 4, 2008, the Court issued its Second Scheduling Order

setting this matter for trial on April 21, 2008. In the Order, the Court advised plaintiff of the

procedure for obtaining the attendance of unincarcerated witnesses who refuse to testify voluntarily.

The Court advised plaintiff that he must first notify the Court in writing of the name and location of

each unincarcerated witness and that the Court would then calculate the travel expense for each

unincarcerated witness and notify plaintiff of the amount(s). 

On February 19 and February 20, 2008, plaintiff submitted the names of eight unincarcerated

witnesses. Plaintiff does not know the address for two of the unincarcerated witnesses, and requests

that the court conduct a “statewide search”. Plaintiff further states that he is unable to pay for the

travel expenses for all eight unincarcerated witnesses, and requests leave of the court to proceed in

forma pauperis.

The in forma pauperis status does not provide for the payment of witness fees or travel

Case 1:03-cv-05363-LJO-DLB Document 103 Filed 02/27/08 Page 1 of 2
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expenses. 28 U.S.C. § 1915; Dixon v. Ylst, 990 F.2d 478, 480 (9th Cir. 1993); Tedder v. Odel, 890

F.2d 210, 211-12 (9th Cir. 1989). To the extent that plaintiff’s motion is a request to the court to

waive or pay the witness fees or travel expenses, plaintiff’s motion is denied on the grounds that

plaintiff’s in forma pauperis status does not provide for the payment of such fees.

Three of the proposed witnesses are Correctional Officers at Corcoran State Prison. Plaintiff

also lists three MTAs at Corcoran State Prison as witnesses. The round trip mileage from Corcoran

to Fresno is 108 miles. The mileage rate is $.445 per mile. Accordingly, for each witness from

Corcoran, California, plaintiff must submit a moneyorder made payable to the witness in the amount

of $88.06 ($40.00 witness fee plus $48.06 mileage).

Plaintiff is reminded that the subpoenas will not be served upon an unincarcerated witness

unless plaintiff notifies the court in writing of the unincarcerated witness’ name and location.

Plaintiff’s request for a “statewide search” for the locations of the remaining two unincarcerated

witnesses is denied.

Plaintiff is further reminded that the subpoenas will not be served upon the unincarcerated

witness by the United States Marshal unless the money order is tendered to the court. Because no

statute authorizes the use of public funds for these expenses in civil cases, the tendering of witness

fees and travel expenses is required even ifthe partywas granted leave to proceed in forma pauperis.

If plaintiff wishes to have the Marshal serve anyunincarcerated witnesses who refuse to testify

voluntarily, plaintiff must submit the money orders to the court no later than the date of the

pretrial conference, March 14, 2008. 

IT IS SO ORDERED. 

Dated: February 26, 2008 /s/ Dennis L. Beck 

3c0h UNI j8 TED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:03-cv-05363-LJO-DLB Document 103 Filed 02/27/08 Page 2 of 2