Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_21-cv-01326/USCOURTS-caed-2_21-cv-01326-0/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

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

CHRISTOPHER K. CLARK,

Plaintiff,

v.

MARSHALL SAIPHER, et al.,

Defendants.

Case No. 2:21-cv-01326-JDP (PC)

ORDER DIRECTING PLAINTIFF TO FILE A 

SIGNED COMPLAINT AND APPLICATION 

TO PROCEED IN FORMA PAUPERIS

Christopher Clark is a state prisoner proceeding without counsel. This action was opened 

when he submitted to the court an unsigned complaint and unsigned application to proceed in 

forma pauperis. ECF Nos. 1 & 2. But because these documents were not signed, Mr. Clark has 

not properly commenced a civil action. 

Federal courts must engage in a preliminary screening of cases in which prisoners seek 

redress from a governmental entity or officer or employee of a governmental entity. 28 U.S.C. 

§ 1915A(a). The court must identify cognizable claims or dismiss the complaint, or any portion 

of the complaint, if the complaint “is frivolous, malicious, or fails to state a claim upon which 

relief may be granted,” or “seeks monetary relief from a defendant who is immune from such 

relief.” Id. § 1915A(b).

The court cannot conduct the required screening of Mr. Clark’s complaint because he has 

not signed it. See ECF No. 1. Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure requires that 

Case 2:21-cv-01326-DAD-JDP Document 4 Filed 07/30/21 Page 1 of 2
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“[e]very pleading, written motion, and other paper . . . be signed by at least one attorney of record 

in the attorney’s name—or by a party personally if the party is unrepresented.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 

11(a). Because the complaint and application to proceed in forma pauperis are not signed, ECF 

Nos. 1 & 2, they it will be disregarded. Within thirty days, Mr. Clark may file a complaint that is 

signed. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 3 (“A civil action is commenced by filing a complaint with the 

court.”). He must also submit either a signed and completed application to proceed in forma 

pauperis or pay the $402 filing fee. 

Accordingly, it is hereby ORDERED that:

1. Mr. Clark’s unsigned complaint and application to proceed in forma pauperis, ECF 

Nos. 1 & 2, are disregarded.

2. The Clerk of the Court is directed to send Mr. Clark a form complaint and application 

for leave to proceed in forma pauperis used in this court. 

3. Within thirty days of the date of this order, Mr. Clark shall submit:

a. a signed complaint; and

b. a completed affidavit in support of his request to proceed in forma pauperis on 

the form provided by the Clerk of Court.

4. Failure to comply with any part of this order may result in this case being closed. 

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: July 29, 2021 

JEREMY D. PETERSON

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 2:21-cv-01326-DAD-JDP Document 4 Filed 07/30/21 Page 2 of 2