Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-cand-3_08-cv-04122/USCOURTS-cand-3_08-cv-04122-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 540
Nature of Suit: Prisoner Petitions - Mandamus and Other
Cause of Action: 28:1651 Petition for Writ of Mandamus

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

BRUCE SENATOR,

Petitioner,

 vs.

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND

EXCHANGE COMMISSION,

Respondent. 

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No C 08-4122 VRW (PR)

ORDER OF DISMISSAL

Petitioner, a state prisoner incarcerated at the California Men's Colony in

San Luis Obispo, has filed a pro se petition for a writ of mandate compelling the

United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") to investigate and

account for allegedly missing registered securities.

The federal mandamus statute provides that "[t]he district courts shall have

original jurisdiction of any action in the nature of mandamus to compel an officer

or employee of the United States or any agency thereof to perform a duty owed to

the plaintiff." 28 USC § 1361. Mandamus relief is only available to compel an

officer of the United States to perform a duty if: (1) the petitioner's claim is clear

and certain; (2) the duty of the officer is ministerial and so plainly prescribed as

to be free from doubt; and (3) no other adequate remedy is available. Fallini v

Hodel, 783 F2d 1343, 1345 (9th Cir 1986). Mandamus relief is not in order here

Case 3:08-cv-04122-VRW Document 4 Filed 09/22/08 Page 1 of 2
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because the investigation petitioner seeks is discretionary. See Stang v IRS, 788

F2d 564, 565 (9th Cir 1986) (mandamus writs appropriate only when federal

officer, employee or agency owes a "nondiscretionary duty" to petitioner that is

so plainly prescribed as to be free from doubt).

The petition for a writ of mandate is DENIED. The clerk shall enter

judgment in accordance with this order and close the file.

SO ORDERED. 

 

VAUGHN R WALKER

United States District Chief Judge 

G:\PRO-SE\VRW\OTHER.08\Senator, B1.dismissal.wpd 

Case 3:08-cv-04122-VRW Document 4 Filed 09/22/08 Page 2 of 2