Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-cand-5_06-cv-03506/USCOURTS-cand-5_06-cv-03506-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 440
Nature of Suit: Other Civil Rights
Cause of Action: 42:1983 Civil Rights Act

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 This disposition is not designated for publication and may not be cited.

Case No. C 06-03506 JF

ORDER (1) DENYING APPLICATION TO PROCEED IN FORMA PAUPERIS, AND (2) DENYING MOTION FOR

THE COURT TO PROVIDE SERVICE

(JFLC1)

NOT FOR CITATION

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

SAN JOSE DIVISION

MICHAEL L. WAGNER,

 Plaintiff,

 v.

THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT,

 Defendant.

Case Number C 06-03506 JF

ORDER1(1) DENYING

APPLICATION TO PROCEED IN

FORMA PAUPERIS, AND (2)

DENYING MOTION FOR THE

COURT TO PROVIDE SERVICE

[re: docket nos. 2, 4]

On May 31, 2006, Plaintiff Michael L. Wagner (“Wagner”) filed a “Deprivation of Rights

Complaint” against the United States government. On the same date, Wagner filed an

application to proceed in forma pauperis. On June 22, 2006, Wagner filed a motion for the

Court to provide service of his complaint.

Wagner alleges that Judge Ronald M. Whyte, of this district, “willfully and maliciously

breached his official duty by committing a crime.” Specifically, Wagner alleges that Judge

Whyte’s “Order Denying Plaintiff's Motion for Recusal and Dismissing Plaintiff's Complaints,”

issued January 19, 2006, includes fabricated case citations and inexplicably dismisses the
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Case No. C 06-03506 JF

ORDER (1) DENYING APPLICATION TO PROCEED IN FORMA PAUPERIS, AND (2) DENYING MOTION FOR

THE COURT TO PROVIDE SERVICE

(JFLC1)

complaint with prejudice rather than without prejudice. Wagner contends that Judge Whyte is

not entitled to judicial immunity because criminal acts are alleged. This Court concludes,

however, that the alleged actions by Judge Whyte are entitled to judicial immunity. The United

States Supreme Court has made clear that judicial immunity “is overcome in only two sets of

circumstances. First, a judge is not immune from liability for nonjudicial actions, i.e., actions not

taken in the judge’s judicial capacity. Second, a judge is not immune for actions, though judicial

in nature, taken in the complete absence of all jurisdiction.” Mireles v. Waco, 502 U.S. 9, 11-12

(1991) (internal citations omitted). Wagner’s complaint neither alleges nor indicates that Judge

Whyte’s action satisfy either exception. First, Judge Whyte’s order was issued in accordance

with his official judicial capacity, and Wagner acknowledges that “the instant action is an official

capacity lawsuit.” Second, there is no allegation or indication that Judge Whyte did not have

jurisdiction to issue the January 19, 2006 Order. Accordingly, Wagner’s complaint fails to state

a claim upon which relief may be granted.

Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915, a district court may authorize the commencement of a civil

action in forma pauperis if the court is satisfied that the would-be plaintiff cannot pay the filing

fees necessary to pursue the action. 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a)(1). The court may deny in forma

pauperis status, however, if it appears from the face of the proposed pleading that the action is

frivolous or without merit. O’Loughlin v. Doe, 920 F.2d 614, 616 (9th Cir. 1990); Tripati v.

First National Bank & Trust, 821 F.2d 1368, 1370 (9th Cir. 1987). Without expressing any

opinion as to whether Wagner can afford to pay the filing fee, the Court will DENY without

prejudice his application to proceed in forma pauperis on the ground that the complaint is

without merit. Because Wagner will not proceed in forma pauperis, the Court also will DENY

Wagner’s motion for the Court to provide service. 

IT IS SO ORDERED.

DATED: June 28, 2006

 

JEREMY FOGEL

United States District Judge
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Case No. C 06-03506 JF

ORDER (1) DENYING APPLICATION TO PROCEED IN FORMA PAUPERIS, AND (2) DENYING MOTION FOR

THE COURT TO PROVIDE SERVICE

(JFLC1)

This Order has been served upon the following persons:

Michael L. Wagner

15555 Sanborn Road

Saratoga, CA 95070