Source: http://ca.findacase.com/research/wfrmDocViewer.aspx/xq/fac.20110411_0005334.ECA.htm/qx
Timestamp: 2017-01-17 13:08:45
Document Index: 576373948

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 1915', '§ 1915', '§ 1983', '§ 1983', '§ 1983', '§ 1983', '§ 636']

RICHARD JOSE DUPREE, JR,PLAINTIFF,v.JIM SCOTT,DEFENDANT.
Plaintiff Richard Jose Dupree, Jr., proceeding pro se and in forma pauperis, filed this civil rights action on February 25, 2011.
Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2), the court must conduct an initial review of the complaint for sufficiency to state a claim. The court must dismiss a complaint or portion thereof if the court determines that the action is legally "frivolous or malicious," fails to state a claim on which relief may be granted, or seeks monetary relief from a defendant who is immune from such relief. 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2). If the court determines that the complaint fails to state a claim, leave to amend may be granted to the extent that the deficiencies of the complaint can be cured by amendment.
Plaintiff's complaint is comprised of allegations against network television anchor Jim Scott. Plaintiff alleges that Mr. Scott deceitfully extracted sexual favors from Plaintiff's future wife, a meteorologist at the same television station.
Plaintiff's allegations appear to be delusional. Court records indicate that Plaintiff has filed several other actions containing similar allegations. For example, in Case No. 2:11-cv-00533-KJN, Plaintiff filed a habeas corpus action alleging that Mr. Scott deceitfully extracted sexual favors from Plaintiff's future wife. The court also noted that Plaintiff's allegations were delusional. Dupree v. Scott, 2:10-cv-00533 KJN, Dkt. No. 3 at 2.
A claim may be dismissed sua sponte if the allegations are found to be "fanciful," "fantastic," or "delusional" or if they rise to the level of the irrational or the wholly incredible. Denton v. Hernandez, 504 U.S. 25, 33 (1992). An example of a factually frivolous claim includes a claim describing fantastic or delusional scenarios. See Neitzke v. Williams, 490 U.S. 319, 328 (1989). Here, Plaintiff's complaint is subject to dismissal because the allegations made "rise to the level of the irrational or the wholly incredible." Denton, 504 U.S. at 33.
Further, Plaintiff's claim fails as a matter of law. A civil rights suit brought pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983 requires state action and the television news anchor defendant is not a state actor. To succeed on a § 1983 damages claim, a plaintiff must demonstrate not only the deprivation of a right secured by the Constitution or laws of the United States, but that the defendant acted under color of state law. West v. Atkins, 487 U.S. 42, 48 (1988). A § 1983 claim can lie against a private party only when "he is a willful participant in joint action with the State or its agents." Dennis v. Sparks, 449 U.S. 24, 27 (1980). Here, the fanciful allegations in Plaintiff's complaint are insufficient to support a § 1983 action.
These Findings and Recommendations will be submitted to the Honorable Oliver W. Wanger pursuant to the provisions of Title 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(l). Within thirty (30) days after being served with these findings and recommendations, Plaintiff may file written objections with the Court. Fed. R. Civ. P. 72(b); Local Rule 304(b). The document should be captioned "Objections to Magistrate Judge's Findings and Recommendations." Plaintiff is advised that failure to file objections within the specified time may waive the right to appeal the District Court's order. Martinez v. Ylst, 951 F.2d 1153 (9th Cir. 1991).