Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-casd-3_17-cv-00001/USCOURTS-casd-3_17-cv-00001-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 442
Nature of Suit: Civil Rights Employment
Cause of Action: 42:2000e-2ra Job Discrimination (Race)

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

SYLVESTER T. OLIVER,

Plaintiff,

CASE NO. 17cv0001-LAB (MDD)

ORDER GRANTING MOTION TO

vs. PROCEED IN FORMA PAUPERIS

IRON WORKERS UNION LOCAL 229, et

al.,

Defendants.

Sylvester Oliver filed a motion to proceed in forma pauperis to commence an action

against his labor union and two steel companies for retaliation and harassment under Title

VII. The EEOC issued Oliver a notice of right-to-sue last fall.

Litigants may commence an action without prepayment of fees when their claim isn’t

frivolous and they make a showing that they’re unable to pay. 28 U.S.C. § 1915. The Court

grants Oliver’s motion to proceed in forma pauperis because, at this time, his complaint

doesn’t appear frivolous and his expenses indicate he’s breaking even. See Pouncil v. Tilton,

704 F.3d 568, 574 (9th Cir. 2012) (courts must “construe pro se complaints liberally”). But 1

since Oliver’s earning about $2,000 a month, the Court requires him to pay $200 – half of

the normal filing fee and 10% of his monthly income – if he wants to proceed.

/ / /

The Court cautions Oliver that although it doesn’t find his complaint frivolous under 1

the low threshold for § 1915 screening, his case may still be dismissed if the defendants file

a 12(b)(6) motion. Teahan v. Wilhelm, 481 F. Supp. 2d 1115 (S.D. Cal. 2007). 

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Oliver hasn’t alleged “exceptional circumstances” that warrant appointment of

counsel. Terrell v. Brewer, 935 F.2d 1015, 1017 (9th Cir. 1991). He presented his claims in

a lucid and articulate manner. The Court denies his request for counsel.

Oliver must pay a $200 filing fee with the Clerk’s office on or before May 1, 2017, if

he wants to proceed. Once the filing fee is paid, the Court will issue a separate order

directing the Clerk to issue a summons and the U.S. Marshal to serve the complaint. If Oliver

fails to pay the fee on or before May 1, 2017, the Court shall dismiss the case.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

DATED: April 20, 2017

HONORABLE LARRY ALAN BURNS

United States District Judge

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