Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-azd-3_11-cv-08029/USCOURTS-azd-3_11-cv-08029-2/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 555
Nature of Suit: Prisoner - Prison Condition
Cause of Action: 42:1983 Prisoner Civil Rights

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA

Stephen Eugene Mauer, 

Plaintiff, 

vs.

Mohave County Sheriff, et al., 

Defendants. 

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No. CV 11-8029-PCT-RCB (JRI)

ORDER

On April 20, 2011, Plaintiff Stephen Eugene Mauer, who was not confined when he

filed his pro se Prisoner Civil Rights Complaint and who is not currently confined, filed a

“Motion for Appointment of Counsel. Or Legal Assistance” (Doc. 11).

 There is no constitutional right to the appointment of counsel in a civil case. See Ivey

v. Board of Regents of the University of Alaska, 673 F.2d 266, 269 (9th Cir. 1982). In

proceedings in forma pauperis, the court may request an attorney to represent any person

unable to afford one. 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(1). Appointment of counsel under 28 U.S.C.

§ 1915(e)(1) is required only when “exceptional circumstances” are present. Terrell v.

Brewer, 935 F.2d 1015, 1017 (9th Cir. 1991). A determination with respect to exceptional

circumstances requires an evaluation of the likelihood of success on the merits as well as the

ability of Plaintiff to articulate his claims pro se in light of the complexity of the legal issue

involved. Id. “Neither of these factors is dispositive and both must be viewed together

before reaching a decision.” Id. (quoting Wilborn v. Escalderon, 789 F.2d 1328, 1331 (9th

Cir. 1986)). 

Case 3:11-cv-08029-RCB--JRI Document 12 Filed 04/27/11 Page 1 of 2
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 Having considered both elements, it does not appear at this time that exceptional

circumstances are present that would require the appointment of counsel in this case. Thus,

the Court will deny without prejudice Plaintiff’s Motion for Appointment of Counsel. Or

Legal Assistance.”

IT IS ORDERED that Plaintiff’s Motion for Appointment of Counsel. Or Legal

Assistance” (Doc. 11) is denied without prejudice.

DATED this 27th day of April, 2011.

Case 3:11-cv-08029-RCB--JRI Document 12 Filed 04/27/11 Page 2 of 2