Opinion ID: 471857
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Right to Amend.

Text: 25 We turn next to whether the district court erred in denying Ashelman's motion to amend. We review for an abuse of discretion the denial of leave to amend pleadings after a responsive pleading has been filed. Jones v. Community Redevelopment Agency, 733 F.2d 646, 650 (9th Cir.1984). Pro se plaintiffs should be given an opportunity to amend their complaints to overcome any deficiencies unless it clearly appears the deficiency cannot be overcome by amendment. Gillespie v. Civiletti, 629 F.2d 637, 640 (9th Cir.1980). For review purposes, we accept all material allegations as true. Brothers v. First Leasing, 724 F.2d 789, 790 n. 1 (9th Cir.), cert. denied --- U.S. ----, 105 S.Ct. 121, 83 L.Ed.2d 63 (1984). Further, we hold his pro se pleadings to a less stringent standard than formal pleadings prepared by lawyers. See Gillespie, 629 F.2d at 640 (citing Haines v. Kerner, 404 U.S. 519, 520, 92 S.Ct. 594, 595, 30 L.Ed.2d 652 (1972)). 26 Nevertheless, even under such favorable review, we conclude that Ashelman's amended pleadings do not contain allegations sufficient to overcome judicial and prosecutorial immunities. Ashelman makes no allegations that the judge's ultimate actions were not judicial or beyond the scope of the court's jurisdiction or that the prosecutor's ultimate activities were performed without authority. The district court did not err in refusing to allow Ashelman to amend his pleading since the proposed amendment would not overcome that deficiency.CONCLUSION 27 Our examination of the doctrines of judicial and prosecutorial immunity convinces us to construe more broadly the availability of immunity. Although a few may suffer because of the loss of seemingly meritorious claims against judges and prosecutors, the policies in support of immunity can only be fulfilled if immunity is freely granted and the exceptions are few and narrowly drawn. Allegations of conspiracy between judge and prosecutor to predetermine the outcome of a judicial proceeding are insufficient to overcome those immunities. 28 AFFIRMED.