*This order and judgment is not binding precedent, except under the doctrines of law of

the case, res judicata, and collateral estoppel. This court generally disfavors the citation of orders

and judgments; nevertheless, an order and judgment may be cited under the terms and conditions

of 10th Cir. R. 36.3.

UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS

Filed 9/26/96

TENTH CIRCUIT

FRANKLIN D. CHRISTENSEN,

Plaintiff - Appellant,

v.

DOUGLAS WADSWORTH,

SHIRLEY MENDEZ-EVANS,

DENEECE SIMPSON, and U S WEST

COMMUNICATIONS, INC.,

Defendants - Appellees.

No. 96-4067

(D. Ct. No. 95-CV-558-C)

(D. Utah)

ORDER AND JUDGMENT*

Before TACHA, BALDOCK, and BRISCOE, Circuit Judges.

After examining the briefs and the appellate record, this three-judge panel

has determined unanimously that oral argument would not be of material

assistance in the determination of this appeal. See Fed. R. App. P. 34(a); 10th

Cir. R. 34.1.9. The cause is therefore ordered submitted without oral argument.

Franklin Christensen, a disabled war veteran who was adjudicated

incompetent for Veterans Affairs’ purposes, brought suit for alleged civil rights
1On June 26, 1996, Christensen filed a “Motion of Administrative Error and Cause

for Removal of Incompetency.” He reasserted his claim that he had been erroneously

denied veterans benefits. In addition, he alleged that the clerk of the court had improperly

intercepted his motions to the district court. 

On July 3, 1996, Christensen filed a “Motion for Clarification.” He requested the

identity of the appeal panel reviewing his case, asked for the location of his veteran’s file,

and sought the qualifications of the veteran appeals court. He also restated his claim that

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violations pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1985. He sued Douglas Wadsworth and

Shirley Mendez-Evans, both employees of the Salt Lake City Department of

Veterans Affairs. He also brought suit against his legal custodian, DeNeece

Simpson, and a telephone company, U.S. West Communications, Inc. 

Specifically, Christensen claimed that he was denied veteran’s benefits for tapes,

medication, dental work, glasses, and a working telephone in violation of his

First, Fifth, and Eighth Amendment rights.

A federal magistrate judge concluded that service of process should not be

permitted and that Christensen’s case should be dismissed pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 

§ 1915(d) because his claims “lack[ed] an arguable basis either in law or fact.” 

The district judge agreed and dismissed the case on February 20, 1996. 

Christensen filed a notice of appeal on February 23, 1996, claiming that the

district court erred in dismissing his pro se complaint under section 1915(d). He

argues that he is entitled to a default judgment in his favor because the defendants

failed to respond to his complaint. Christensen also filed a number of motions

with this court regarding the disposition and administrative treatment of his case.1
he had been improperly denied veterans benefits. 

On July 8, 1996, Christensen filed a “Motion for Default,” which essentially

reiterated the basis for his appeal. In this motion, Christensen argued that because none

of the defendants had responded to his complaint, he was entitled to a default judgment. 

The court denied this motion as moot on July 15, 1996.

On July 24, 1996, Christensen filed a “Motion of Deception and Effective

Manipulation of the Judicial System.” He alleged that the clerk of the Tenth Circuit had

been exploiting him by stamping and signing his motions in an illegible manner. 

On July 24, 1996, Christensen filed a “Motion of Contempt” against all of the

clerks and judges of the Tenth Circuit. He also argued that a conflict of interest existed in

having a circuit judge review the decisions of one of its colleagues. Thus, Christensen

sought to have his contempt motion reviewed by the United States Supreme Court by

moving for a “change of venue.” 

On July 26, 1996, Christensen formally filed a “Motion for Change of Venue.” He

claimed that the judges and administrative staff on the Tenth Circuit were a “bunch of

idiots.” Again, he requested that his grievances be reviewed by the United States

Supreme Court.

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Our jurisdiction over this appeal arises from 28 U.S.C. § 1291. Construing

Christensen’s pleadings liberally, we examine the district court's ruling for an

abuse of discretion. See Jones v. Cowley, 28 F.3d 1067, 1069 (10th Cir. 1994);

Green v. Seymour, 59 F.3d 1073, 1077 (10th Cir. 1995).

After reviewing Christensen’s complaint, we agree with the district court’s

conclusion that the case should be dismissed pursuant to section 1915(d). We

emphasize that given the district court’s decision not to permit service of process

on the defendants, Christensen cannot argue that he is entitled to a default

judgment because the defendants did not respond to his complaint. We have also

reviewed the motions pending before the court and conclude that they are without

merit or constitute requests for relief that this court has no power to grant. 
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Accordingly, we AFFIRM the decision of the district court dismissing

Christensen’s claims and DENY Christensen’s motions pending before the court.

The mandate shall issue forthwith.

ENTERED FOR THE COURT,

Deanell Reece Tacha

Circuit Judge