2006 Decisions

Opinions of the United

States Court of Appeals

for the Third Circuit

6-21-2006

Rodenbaugh v. Augello

Precedential or Non-Precedential: Non-Precedential

Docket No. 05-3778

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Recommended Citation

"Rodenbaugh v. Augello" (2006). 2006 Decisions. Paper 859.

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NOT PRECEDENTIAL

UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS

FOR THE THIRD CIRCUIT

NO. 05-3778

________________

DAPHNE MARIE RODENBAUGH,

 Appellant

 v.

JOSEPH M. AUGELLO

____________________________________

On Appeal From the United States District Court

For the Middle District of Pennsylvania 

(D.C. Civ. No. 05-cv-01444)

District Judge: Honorable James M. Munley

_______________________________________

Submitted For Possible Dismissal Under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B)

May 25, 2006

BEFORE: BARRY, SMITH AND NYGAARD, CIRCUIT JUDGES

(Filed: June 21, 2006)

___________________

 OPINION

___________________

PER CURIAM

Daphne Marie Rodenbaugh appeals from the District Court’s order

dismissing sua sponte her civil rights complaint pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §

1915(e)(2)(B)(iii). 
2

On July 19, 2005, Rodenbaugh, a resident of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania

proceeding in forma pauperis, filed a civil rights complaint pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983

alleging that the defendant, a Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas Judge presiding

over a civil suit brought by Rodenbaugh, caused her emotional distress and depression by

denying her “second amendment to proceed in forma pauperis.” She sought $500,000 in

damages. The District Court dismissed the action under the authority of 28 U.S.C. §

1915(e)(2), holding that her action was barred by the doctrine of absolute judicial

immunity because the defendant’s alleged actions were within his jurisdiction. 

Rodenbaugh timely appealed.

Rodenbaugh was granted leave to proceed in forma pauperis, and the appeal is

now before the Court for determination pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B). Under §

1915(e)(2)(B), a court must dismiss an action or appeal if it (i) is frivolous or malicious,

(ii) fails to state a claim upon which relief may be granted, or (iii) seeks monetary

damages from a defendant with immunity. An action or appeal can be frivolous for either

legal or factual reasons. Neitzke v. Williams, 490 U.S. 319, 325 (1989).

After reviewing Rodenbaugh’s District Court pleadings and notice of appeal, we

conclude that the District Court correctly dismissed the Complaint for the reasons set

forth in the District Court’s memorandum opinion. Having found no legal merit to this

matter, we will dismiss the appeal pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B). Appellant’s

motion to expedite the appeal and judgment is denied.