Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_05-cv-01080/USCOURTS-caed-1_05-cv-01080-2/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 550
Nature of Suit: Prisoner - Civil Rights (U.S. defendant)
Cause of Action: 28:1331 Federal Question: Bivens Act

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

RICARDO GONZALEZ MORALES,

Plaintiff, CV F F 05 1080 AWI WMW P

vs. ORDER DISMISSING COMPLAINT

WITH LEAVE TO AMEND

CORRECTIONAL CORP. OF AMERICA, et al.,

Defendants.

Plaintiff is a federal prisoner proceeding pro se. Plaintiff seeks relief pursuant to

Bivens v. Six Unknown Agents, 403 U.S. 388 (1971) and has requested leave to proceed in

forma pauperis pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915. This proceeding was referred to this court by

Local Rule 72-302 pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1).

This action was initiated by plaintiff, an inmate in federal custody at the

California City Correctional Center. The complaint consists of a form complaint for a Bivens

action. Plaintiff has not, however, completed the form. Plaintiff names as defendants

“Correctional Corporation of America, et al.,” but fails to identify individual defendants. 

Case 1:05-cv-01080-AWI-WMW Document 13 Filed 03/17/06 Page 1 of 3
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Though plaintiff signed the complaint, there is no statement of claim or any indication of what

relief plaintiff seeks. 

 A Bivens cause of action is a judicially created counterpart to 42 U.S.C. § 1983

for claims against federal officers. Since federal officials do not ordinarily act under color of

state law, constitutional violations by federal officials are generally beyond the reach of § 1983. 

Bivens established that “victims of a constitutional violation by a federal agent have a right to

recover damages against the official in federal court despite the absence of any statute conferring

such a right.” Bivens, 403 U.S. at 396.

Because there are no individual defendants named, and because plaintiff has

failed to allege any facts, the complaint must be dismissed. The court has determined that the

complaint does not contain a short and plain statement as required by Fed. R. Civ. P. 8(a)(2). 

Although the Federal Rules adopt a flexible pleading policy, a complaint must give fair notice

and state the elements of the claim plainly and succinctly. Jones v. Community Redev. Agency,

733 F.2d 646, 649 (9th Cir. 1984). Plaintiff must allege with at least some degree of

particularity overt acts which defendants engaged in that support plaintiff's claim. Id. Because

plaintiff has failed to comply with the requirements of Fed. R. Civ. P. 8(a)(2), the complaint

must be dismissed. The court will, however, grant leave to file an amended complaint.

If plaintiff chooses to amend the complaint, plaintiff must demonstrate how the

conditions complained of have resulted in a deprivation of plaintiff's constitutional rights. See

Ellis v. Cassidy, 625 F.2d 227 (9th Cir. 1980). Also, the complaint must allege in specific terms

how each named defendant is involved. There can be no liability unless there is some

affirmative link or connection between a defendant's actions and the claimed deprivation. Rizzo

v. Goode, 423 U.S. 362 (1976); May v. Enomoto, 633 F.2d 164, 167 (9th Cir. 1980); Johnson v.

Duffy, 588 F.2d 740, 743 (9th Cir. 1978). 

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In accordance with the above, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:

1. Plaintiff's complaint is dismissed; and

2. Plaintiff is granted thirty days from the date of service of this order to file an

amended complaint that complies with the requirements of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure

and the Local Rules of Practice; the amended complaint must bear the docket number assigned

this case and must be labeled "Amended Complaint." Failure to file an amended complaint will 

result in a recommendation that this action be dismissed. IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: March 16, 2006 /s/ William M. Wunderlich 

mmkd34 UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:05-cv-01080-AWI-WMW Document 13 Filed 03/17/06 Page 3 of 3