Document ID: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_07-cv-00557/USCOURTS-caed-1_07-cv-00557-6/pdf.json

Parties Involved:
Jason Saunders
Petitioner
John Torres
Respondent

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

JASON SAUNDERS, )

)

Petitioner, )

)

v. )

)

)

JOHN TORRES, )

)

Respondent. )

 )

1:07-CV-00557 LJO SMS HC 

FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATION 

REGARDING PETITIONER’S MOTION FOR

AN ORDER DIRECTING WARDEN TO

RELINQUISH STORED PROPERTY

[Doc. #12]

Petitioner is a state prisoner proceeding pro se with a petition for writ of habeas corpus

pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254.

On November 21, 2007, Petitioner filed a motion requesting an extension of time and for an

order directing the warden of his institution to relinquish stored legal property. By separate order, the

extension of time will be granted.

DISCUSSION

Petitioner is informed that claims concerning the conditions of one’s confinement are

properly raised in a civil rights complaint filed pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1983. McCarthy v. Bronson,

500 U.S. 136, 141-42 (1991); Preiser v. Rodriguez, 411 U.S. 475, 499 (1973); Badea v. Cox, 931

Case 1:07-cv-00557-SMS Document 14 Filed 12/19/07 Page 1 of 2
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F.2d 573, 574 (9 Cir.1991); Advisory Committee Notes to Rule 1 of the Rules Governing Section th

2254 Cases. A habeas corpus petition is the correct method for a prisoner to challenge the “legality

or duration” of his confinement. Badea, 931 F.2d at 574, quoting Preiser, 411 U.S. at 485; Advisory

Committee Notes to Rule 1 of the Rules Governing Section 2254 Cases. 

In this case, Petitioner seeks injunctive relief compelling prison officials to relinquish

property. This claim is not properly brought in a petition for writ of habeas corpus. Petitioner’s

complaint clearly concerns the conditions of his confinement and thus is appropriately raised in a

civil rights action. Accordingly, the Court will recommend that Petitioner’s motion be dismissed. 

RECOMMENDATION

Accordingly, the Court RECOMMENDS that Petitioner’s motion for an order directing the

warden to relinquish stored property be DISMISSED. The Court further RECOMMENDS that the

Clerk of the Court send Petitioner a civil rights complaint form pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983.

This Findings and Recommendation is submitted to the Honorable Lawrence J. O’Neill,

United States District Court Judge, pursuant to the provisions of 28 U.S.C. § 636 (b)(1)(B) and Rule

72-304 of the Local Rules of Practice for the United States District Court, Eastern District of

California. Within thirty (30) days after being served with a copy of this Findings and

Recommendation, any party may file written objections with the Court and serve a copy on all

parties. Such a document should be captioned “Objections to Magistrate Judge’s Findings and

Recommendation.” Replies to the Objections shall be served and filed within ten (10) court days

(plus three days if served by mail) after service of the Objections. The Court will then review the

Magistrate Judge’s ruling pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636 (b)(1)(C). The parties are advised that failure

to file objections within the specified time may waive the right to appeal the Order of the District

Court. Martinez v. Ylst, 951 F.2d 1153 (9 Cir. 1991). th

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: December 19, 2007 /s/ Sandra M. Snyder 

icido3UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

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