Opinion
For Mark Stevens an individual, Lisa Stevens Brown an individual, Plaintiffs: Maryann R Marzano, Henry D Gradstein, Gradstein and Marzano PC, Los Angeles, CA; Robert Edward Allen, McKool Smith Hennigan, P.C., Los Angeles, CA.
Proceedings: (In Chambers) Order to Show Cause Re: Dismissal Re: Lack of Prosecution
The Honorable Fernando M. Olguin, United States District Judge.
Absent a showing of good cause, an action must be dismissed without prejudice if the summons and complaint are not served on a defendant within 120 days after the complaint is filed. Fed.R.Civ.P. 4(m). Generally, a defendant must answer the complaint within 21 days after service (60 days if the defendant is the United States). Fed.R.Civ.P. 12(a). The court may dismiss the action prior to the 120 days, however, if plaintiff(s) has/have not diligently prosecuted the action.
In the present case, it appears that one or more of these time periods has not been met. Accordingly, the court, on its own motion, orders plaintiff(s) to show cause in writing on or before July 17, 2015, why this action should not be dismissed for lack of prosecution. Pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 78(b), the court finds that this matter is appropriate for submission without oral argument. The Order to Show Cause will stand submitted upon the filing of plaintiff's response, if plaintiff/defendant files:
■ Proof(s) of service of summons and complaint on the following defendant: CBS STUDIOS, INC. ■ An answer by the following defendant: CBS STUDIOS, INC. [ ] Plaintiff's application for entry of default pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 55(a): [ ] Plaintiff's motion for default judgment pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 55(b):
on or before the date indicated above, the court will consider this a satisfactory response to the Order to Show Cause.