Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-azd-4_10-cv-00596/USCOURTS-azd-4_10-cv-00596-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 864
Nature of Suit: Social Security - SSID Title XVI
Cause of Action: 42:405 Review of HHS Decision (SSID)

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA

CARLA THOMAS,

Plaintiff, 

vs.

UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE, 

COMMISSIONER OF THE SOCIAL 

SECURITY ADMINISTRATION,

Defendants. 

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No. CIV 10-596-TUC-CKJ 

ORDER

On October 18, 2011, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals referred this matter to this

Court for the limited purpose of determining whether in forma pauperis status should

continue for this appeal or whether the appeal is frivolous or taken in bad faith. The

applicable statute states that an "appeal may not be taken in forma pauperis if the trial court

certifies in writing that it is not taken in good faith." 28 U.S.C. § 1015(a)(3). 

Plaintiff Carla Thomas ("Thomas ") filed her Complaint on October 1, 2010. Thomas

was granted in forma pauperis status on December 7, 2010. An Answer was filed on

February 23, 2011, and the Administrative Record was filed on February 24, 2011.

On February 28, 2011, Magistrate Judge Glenda E. Edmonds issued a Social Security

Scheduling Order in which she directed Thomas to file an opening brief within sixty (60)

days from the filing of the answer and record. Thomas did not file an opening brief.

 On May 10, 2011, Magistrate Judge Edmonds ordered Thomas to show cause why this

case should not be dismissed for failure to comply with the court's scheduling order. On

Case 4:10-cv-00596-CKJ-GEE Document 23 Filed 10/21/11 Page 1 of 2
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May 17, 2011, Thomas field a response and, on June 3, 2011, Magistrate Judge Edmonds

ordered as follows:

Pursuant to this court’s scheduling order issued on February 28, 2011, the plaintiff,

Carla Thomas, shall file by July 15, 2011, her opening brief explaining “why the

Commissioner’s decision is not supported by substantial evidence or why the decision

should otherwise be reversed or the case remanded.” LRCiv. 16.1[.] If Thomas fails

to file a timely opening brief, this action may be dismissed without further notice to

the plaintiff. Fed.R.Civ.P. 16 (f)(1)(C).

Doc. 18. Thomas did not file an opening brief.

On August 9, 2011, this Court issued an Order dismissing this case; judgment was

entered.

Thomas having twice failed to file an opening brief or request an extension within the

time set by the magistrate judge, this Court finds the appeal is frivolous or taken in bad faith.

Accordingly IT IS ORDERED Thomas in forma pauperis status is REVOKED.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED the Clerk of the Court shall notify the appellate court

of this ruling.

DATED this 20th day of October, 2011.

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