Opinion ID: 4056183
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: frivolous claim

Text: Suits brought by inmates m district court in which an affidavit or unsworn declaration of inability to pay costs is filed are controlled by Chapter 14 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Section 14.003 provides dismissal of a suit if the court finds the claim is frivolous or malicious. 1 To determine whether a claim is frivolous or malicious, the court may consider whether: (1) the claim's realistic chance of ultimate success is slight; (2) the claim has no arguable basis in law or in fact; (3) it is clear that the party cannot prove facts in support of the claim; or (4) the claim is substantially similar to a previous claim filed by the inmate because the claim arises from the same operative facts. 2