Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_23-cv-01214/USCOURTS-caed-1_23-cv-01214-5/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

THOMAS K. MILLS,

Plaintiff,

v.

ZACHERY JONES, et al.

Defendants.

No. 1:23-cv-01214-JLT-SAB (PC)

ORDER DENYING PLAINTIFF’S MOTION 

TO COMPEL DISCOVERY AS 

PREMATURE

(ECF No. 17)

Plaintiff is proceeding pro se and in forma pauperis in this action filed pursuant to 42 

U.S.C. § 1983. Currently before the Court is Plaintiff’s motion to compel discovery, filed 

November 13, 2023. Plaintiff’s motion must be denied as premature. 

As stated in the Court’s first informational order, “[a]fter defendants’ answers are filed, 

the Court will issue an order opening discovery and setting deadlines for completing discovery, 

amending the pleadings, and filing dispositive motions. No discovery may be initiated until the 

Court issues a discovery order or otherwise orders that discovery begin.” (ECF No. 2 at 4.) 

Defendants have not yet filed an answer and the Court has not yet ordered that discovery begin. 

Even when Defendants answer and a discovery and scheduling order is issued, any discovery 

requests must be served directly on the Defendants from whom discovery is sought, and unless a 

dispute arises, discovery requests should not be filed with the Court. (Id.) Plaintiff is advised to 

the review the Court’s first informational order issued on August 14, 2023. (ECF No. 2.) 

Accordingly, Plaintiff’s motion to compel discovery is denied as premature and improperly filed. 

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: November 14, 2023 

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:23-cv-01214-JLT-SAB Document 18 Filed 11/14/23 Page 1 of 1