Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_02-cv-02661/USCOURTS-caed-2_02-cv-02661-3/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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 The court is issuing a separate order addressing the status of service of defendants

Phillips, Medellin and Rocha. 

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

JOSE AVINA,

Plaintiff, No. CIV S-02-2661 FCD KJM P

vs.

J.C. MEDELLIN, et al.,

Defendants. ORDER

 /

Plaintiff is a state prisoner proceeding pro se with an action for violation of civil

rights under 28 U.S.C. § 1983. On October 3, 2005, plaintiff filed a motion asking that

defendants Phillips, Medellin and Rocha be held in default. From the court’s docket it appears

that none of these defendants have been served with process or waived service of process.1

Therefore, defendants Phillips, Medellin and Rocha are not yet required to plead. Fed. R. Civ. P.

12(a) & 55. Plaintiff’s motion for default will be denied.

Plaintiff has requested the 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

Case 2:02-cv-02661-FCD-CKD Document 44 Filed 11/21/05 Page 1 of 2
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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 request for the appointment of

counsel will therefore be denied. 

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

1. Plaintiff’s October 3, 2005 request for entry of default is denied; and

2. Plaintiff’s September 12, 2005 request for the appointment of counsel is

denied;

DATED: November 18, 2005.

______________________________________

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

 

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avin2661.def

Case 2:02-cv-02661-FCD-CKD Document 44 Filed 11/21/05 Page 2 of 2