Opinion
No. CIV S-07-1651-FCD-CMK-P.
August 23, 2007
ORDER
Plaintiff, a state prisoner proceeding pro se, brings this civil rights action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Pending before the court is plaintiff's complaint (Doc. 1), filed on August 13, 2007. The court is required to screen complaints brought by prisoners seeking relief against a governmental entity or officer or employee of a governmental entity. See 28 U.S.C. § 1915A(a).
Plaintiff names the following six individuals as defendants: Martel, Vance, Shannon, Gold, Finnegan, and Biggs. Plaintiff alleges that these defendants knew of a risk to plaintiff's safety posed by another inmate, who was a known enemy of plaintiff. According to plaintiff, notwithstanding this knowledge, defendants allowed plaintiff and the enemy inmate to become engaged in an altercation which resulted in plaintiff being injured. Plaintiff also alleges that defendants retaliated against him by refusing to process his inmate grievance.
The complaint appears to state a cognizable claim for relief pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and 28 U.S.C. § 1915A(b). If the allegations are proven, plaintiff has a reasonable opportunity to prevail on the merits of this action. The court, therefore, finds that service is appropriate and will direct service by the U.S. Marshal without pre-payment of costs. Plaintiff is informed, however, that this action cannot proceed further until plaintiff complies with this order. Plaintiff is warned that failure to comply with this order may result in dismissal of the action. See Local Rule 11-110.
Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:
1. Service is appropriate for the following defendant(s):
MARTEL,
VANCE,
SHANNON,
GOLD,
FINNEGAN, and
BIGGS;
2. The Clerk of the Court shall send plaintiff one USM-285 form for each defendant identified above, one summons, an instruction sheet, and a copy of the complaint filed August 13, 2007; and
3. Within 30 days of the date of service of this order, plaintiff shall complete the attached Notice of Submission of Documents and submit the following documents to the court:
a. The completed Notice of Submission of Documents;
b. One completed summons;
c. Six completed USM-285 form(s); and
d. Seven copies of the endorsed complaint filed August 13, 2007.