Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_19-cv-01136/USCOURTS-caed-1_19-cv-01136-4/pdf.json

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

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

Plaintiff Angel Rodriguez is appearing pro se and in forma pauperis in this pursuant to the 

Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), 28 U.S.C. §§ 1346(b), 2674. 

Currently before the Court is Plaintiff’s request for entry of default, filed January 21, 2020.

This action is proceeding against the United States of America for violation of the FTCA. 

On December 2, 2019, the United States Marshal returned the summons and was filed as 

executed reflecting the United States of America was served on November 18, 2019. (ECF No. 16.) 

After no response was filed, on December 23, 2019, the Court issued an order as to why entry of 

default should not be entered against the United States of America. (ECF No. 17.) 

On January 13, 2020, Defendant United States of America filed a motion for summary 

judgment. (ECF No. 18.) 

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GARY NICHOLS,

 Plaintiff,

v.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,

Defendant.

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Case No. 1:19-cv-01136-SAB (PC)

ORDER DENYING PLAINTIFF’S REQUEST 

FOR ENTRY OF DEFAULT

[ECF No. 19]

Case 1:19-cv-01136-DAD-SAB Document 20 Filed 01/23/20 Page 1 of 2
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Rule 55(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure requires that the Clerk of the Court enter 

default “when a party against whom a judgment for affirmative relief is sought has failed to plead or 

otherwise defend, and that failure is shown by affidavit or otherwise.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 55(a). Because 

Defendant has now filed a response, i.e. a motion for summary judgment, entry of default is improper. 

However, Defendant is cautioned that future failure to file a timely response and the failure to 

demonstrate good cause for failing to do so may result in the imposition of sanctions. Accordingly, 

Plaintiff’s motion for entry of default is denied. 

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: January 23, 2020 

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:19-cv-01136-DAD-SAB Document 20 Filed 01/23/20 Page 2 of 2