Opinion
2:22-cv-06024-SB-E
12-16-2022
UNITED AFRICAN-ASIAN ABILITIES CLUB et al., Plaintiffs, v. C AND S SHOREHAM et al., Defendants.
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE RE: LACK OF PROSECUTION
STANLEY BLUMENFELD, JR. UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
The complaint in this case was filed on August 24, 2022. Dkt. No. 1. On November 23, the Court issued an order to show cause why the action should not be dismissed for lack of prosecution because Plaintiffs failed to timely file proof of service. Dkt. No. 13. Plaintiffs responded by filing proof of service, dated November 10, 2022. Dkt. No. 14. The Court hereby DISCHARGES its November 23 order to show cause, Dkt. No. 13.
However, generally, defendants other than the United States must answer a complaint within 21 days after being served. See Fed.R.Civ.P. 12(a)(1). Plaintiffs' belatedly filed proof of service indicates that because Defendant was served on November 10, 2022, a responsive pleading was due on December 1, 2022. None has been filed, and Plaintiff has not sought entry of default or default judgment. Plaintiff is ordered to show cause, in writing, no later than December 23, 2022, why this action should not be dismissed for lack of prosecution.
Counsel is warned that the future failure to timely file a proof of service may result in an order to show cause re: sanctions. Because of counsel's failure, this Court has now had to act twice to move along a case that Plaintiff has filed. It is Plaintiff's responsibility to comply with the federal rules in the first instance.
The Court will consider as an appropriate response to this Order to Show Cause the filing, on or before the above date, of an application for entry of default under Rule 55(a). No oral argument on this matter will be heard unless otherwise ordered by the Court. See Fed.R.Civ.P. 78; Local Rule 7-15.
Upon receipt of the remedy mentioned above, this Order to Show Cause will be automatically discharged without further order. Failure to respond to the Order to Show Cause will result in the dismissal without prejudice of the action in its entirety.
IT IS SO ORDERED.