Opinion
Civil Action 5:23-cv-19 (MTT)
10-22-2024
DANIEL FORD, Plaintiff, v. Warden TRACY JEFFERSON, et al., Defendants.
ORDER
MARC T. TREADWELL, JUDGE.
For the second time, Daniel Ford requests the appointment of counsel to represent him in this 42 U.S.C. § 1983 action. Doc. 76. Ford seeks counsel to assist him in his upcoming trial. Id. The “[a]ppointment of counsel in a civil case is not a constitutional right.” Wahl v McIver, 773 F.2d 1169, 1174 (11th Cir. 1986). Rather, it is a privilege justified only by exceptional circumstances. Id. In deciding whether counsel should be appointed, the Court considers, among other factors, the merits of the plaintiff's claims and the complexity of the legal issues presented. Holt v. Ford, 862 F.2d 850, 853 (11th Cir. 1989). Considering those factors, the Court notes that Ford has set forth the essential factual allegations underlying his claim and that the applicable legal doctrines are readily apparent. Moreover, Ford has proven to be capable of filing motions, making competent arguments, and obtaining relevant documents without help from an attorney. See Docs. 47; 54; 72; 76. Accordingly, Ford's motion to appoint counsel (Doc. 76) is DENIED.
SO ORDERED.