Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_21-cv-01574/USCOURTS-caed-1_21-cv-01574-5/pdf.json

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

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

KORY T. O’BRIEN,

 Plaintiff,

 vs.

GIBSON, et al.,

 Defendants.

1:21-cv-01574-ADA-GSA-PC

 

ORDER DENYING MOTION FOR 

DEFAULT JUDGMENT AGAINST THE 

COURT

(ECF No. 20.)

I. BACKGROUND

Kory T. O’Brien (“Plaintiff”) is a state prisoner proceeding pro se and in forma pauperis

with this civil rights action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Plaintiff filed the Complaint 

commencing this action on October 25, 2021. (ECF No. 1.) 

On March 3, 2023, Plaintiff filed a motion for default judgment against the Court under 

Rule 55 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. (ECF No. 20.)

II. PLAINTIFF’S MOTION

Plaintiff seeks a default judgment against the Court because the Court has not screened 

the Complaint Plaintiff filed on October 25, 2021. Plaintiff argues that the Court has abused its 

discretion because other Complaints filed by Plaintiff after this case was filed have already been 

screened, yet the Complaint in this case awaits screening.

Case 1:21-cv-01574-KES-GSA Document 24 Filed 07/31/23 Page 1 of 2
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There is no provision in Rule 55 whereby Plaintiff may seek default judgment against the 

Court itself. Under Rule 55, default may be entered against a party who has failed to plead or 

otherwise defend. Fed. R. Civ. P. 55. However, the Court is not a party to this case. Therefore, 

Plaintiff’s motion must be denied.

Plaintiff is advised that his Complaint shall be screened in due course.

III. CONCLUSION

Accordingly, based on the foregoing, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Plaintiff’s 

motion for default judgment, filed on March 3, 2023, is DENIED.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: July 29, 2023 /s/ Gary S. Austin 

 UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:21-cv-01574-KES-GSA Document 24 Filed 07/31/23 Page 2 of 2