Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_03-cv-02246/USCOURTS-caed-2_03-cv-02246-5/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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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

EUGENE L. BALLANCE,

Plaintiff, No. CIV S-03-2246 LKK JFM P

vs.

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT

OF CORRECTIONS, et al.,

Defendants. ORDER

 /

Plaintiff is a state prisoner proceeding pro se and in forma pauperis with a civil

rights action. On September 28, 2005, plaintiff filed his fifth request for the appointment of

counsel. On November 14, 2005, plaintiff filed points and authorities in support of his request

for appointment of counsel. The United States Supreme Court has ruled that district courts lack

authority to require counsel to represent indigent prisoners in § 1983 cases. Mallard v. United

States Dist. Court, 490 U.S. 296, 298 (1989). In certain exceptional circumstances, the court

may request the voluntary assistance of counsel pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(1). Terrell v.

Brewer, 935 F.2d 1015, 1017 (9th Cir. 1991); Wood v. Housewright, 900 F.2d 1332, 1335-36

(9th Cir. 1990). In the present case, the court does not find the required exceptional

circumstances. Plaintiff’s fifth request for the appointment of counsel will therefore be denied.

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Case 2:03-cv-02246-LKK -JFM Document 86 Filed 11/29/05 Page 1 of 2
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IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that plaintiff’s September 28, 2005 fifth request for

the appointment of counsel is denied. 

DATED: November 28, 2005.

/kf:001

ball2246.31a

Case 2:03-cv-02246-LKK -JFM Document 86 Filed 11/29/05 Page 2 of 2