Court Opinion

ID: 155086
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2010-08-14 04:10:08+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:41:38.224061
License: Public Domain

120 F.3d 272
NOTICE:  Although citation of unpublished opinions remains unfavored, unpublished opinions may now be cited if the opinion has persuasive value on a material issue, and a copy is attached to the citing document or, if cited in oral argument, copies are furnished to the Court and all parties.  See General Order of November 29, 1993, suspending 10th Cir. Rule 36.3 until December 31, 1995, or further order.
Samuel J. Wilder, Plaintiff-Appellant,v.Peggy KNIGHT;  Mae Alice Ward, Eastern Stars;  Kenneth King,dba Finch Investments;  Omar R. Finch;  Tulsa County Boardof County Commissioners;  David L. Peterson, District Judge;Curtis Eckwood, dba Eckwood Enterprises;  Celester Petty;Richard Ravits, attorney;  Stanley Glanz, sheriff;  RonaldShaffer, District Judge;  Linda Redwine, Tulsa City-CountyHealth Department;  Veretta Carter, Neighborhood HousingServices of Tulsa;  Sarah Hawxby, Oklahoma Human RightsCommission;  Leslie Pepper, Oklahoma Corporation Commission;John Sharp, Oklahoma Natural Gas Company;  W. Hiddle,Judge;  Doug Dodd, Public Service Co. of Oklahoma;  CarlosJ. Chappelle, attorney, Defendants-Appellees.
No. 96-5171.
United States Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit.
July 23, 1997.

Before BRORBY, EBEL, and KELLY, Circuit Judges.**
ORDER AND JUDGMENT*
PAUL J. KELLY, JR., Circuit Judge.

1
Mr. Wilder, appearing pro se and in forma pauperis, appeals from the dismissal of his civil rights action without prejudice for failure to effect service.  Fed.R.Civ.P. 4(m).  We review the dismissal for an abuse of discretion.  Espinosa v. United States, 52 F.3d 838, 841 (10th Cir.1995).

2
Mr. Wilder filed his complaint on November 13, 1995.  He was granted leave to file the action without prepayment of fees or costs, with any further proceedings requiring the specific authorization of the district court.  I R. doc. 2. The district court entered its order of dismissal on June 20, 1996.

3
Under Rule 4(m) and Espinosa, a plaintiff is entitled to a mandatory extension of time to serve for good cause shown, and a permissive extension in the absence of good cause.  52 F.3d at 841.   Although the district court did not elaborate on its reasoning, no good cause appears in the record.  In his brief on appeal, Mr. Wilder contends that he completed summonses for each defendant, as well as forms for marshal service and entrusted the clerk to forward the latter to the marshal.  See 28 U.S.C. § 1915(d).  He also contends that he attempted to serve one defendant by mail, although it is apparent that it was not in compliance with Fed.R.Civ.P. 4(d).  Despite the lack of returns of service, the record reveals no further attempt at service, nor any attempt to bring the problem to the attention of the district court.  Under the circumstances of the case, the district court did not abuse its discretion.

4
AFFIRMED.

**
 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

*
 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