Opinion
2:11-cv-296-JMS-DKL CA #12-2276
06-15-2012
STEPHEN J. TAYLOR, Petitioner, v. SUPERINTENDENT RICHARD BROWN, Respondent.
Entry Discussing Request to Proceed on Appeal In Forma Pauperis
The petitioner seeks leave to proceed on appeal without prepayment of the appellate fees of $455.00. An appeal may not be taken in forma pauperis if the trial court certifies that the appeal is not taken in good faith. 28 U.S.C. § 1915; see Coppedge v. United States, 369 U.S. 438 (1962). "Good faith" within the meaning of § 1915 must be judged by an objective, not a subjective, standard. See id. There is no objectively reasonable argument the petitioner could present to argue that the disposition of this action was erroneous. In pursuing an appeal, therefore, the petitioner "is acting in bad faith . . . [because] to sue in bad faith means merely to sue on the basis of a frivolous claim, which is to say a claim that no reasonable person could suppose to have any merit." Lee v. Clinton, 209 F.3d 1025, 1026 (7th Cir. 2000). Accordingly, his appeal is not taken in good faith, and for this reason his request for leave to proceed on appeal in forma pauperis [27] is denied.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
_________________
Hon. Jane Magnus-Stinson, Judge
United States District Court
Southern District of Indiana
Distribution:
Stephen J. Taylor
180758
Wabash Valley Correctional Facility
6908 S. Old U.S. Highway 41
P.O. Box 1111
Carlisle, IN 47838
All Electronically Registered Counsel