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Hamilton v. United States

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Feb 3, 2016
Case: 1:16-cv-00185 (D.D.C. Feb. 3, 2016)

Opinion

Case: 1:16-cv-00185

02-03-2016

LOUIS CHARLES HAMILTON II, Plaintiff, v. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, et al., Defendants.


Jury De
Assigned To : Unassigned
Assign. Date : 2/4/2016
Description: Pro Se Gen. Civil (F Deck) MEMORANDUM OPINION

This matter comes before the court on review of plaintiff's application to proceed in forma pauperis and pro se civil complaint. The Court will grant the application, and dismiss the complaint.

The Court has reviewed plaintiff's complaint, keeping in mind that complaints filed by pro se litigants are held to less stringent standards than those applied to formal pleadings drafted by lawyers. See Haines v. Kerner, 404 U.S. 519, 520 (1972). Even pro se litigants, however, must comply with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Jarrell v. Tisch, 656 F. Supp. 237, 239 (D.D.C. 1987). Rule 8(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure requires that a complaint contain a short and plain statement of the grounds upon which the Court's jurisdiction depends, a short and plain statement of the claim showing that the pleader is entitled to relief, and a demand for judgment for the relief the pleader seeks. Fed. R. Civ. P. 8(a). The purpose of the minimum standard of Rule 8 is to give fair notice to the defendants of the claims being asserted, sufficient to prepare a responsive answer, to prepare an adequate defense and to determine whether the doctrine of res judicata applies. Brown v. Califano, 75 F.R.D. 497, 498 (D.D.C. 1977).

The Court has reviewed the complaint and finds that it is incomprehensible. It does not appear to state the grounds upon which this court's jurisdiction depends, or a statement of a cognizable claim showing plaintiff's entitlement to relief, or the basis of his demands for damages. As drafted, the complaint fails to comply with Rule 8(a) and therefore it will be dismissed. An Order consistent with this Memorandum Opinion is issued separately. DATE: 2/3/16

/s/_________

United States District Judge


Summaries of

Hamilton v. United States

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Feb 3, 2016
Case: 1:16-cv-00185 (D.D.C. Feb. 3, 2016)
Case details for

Hamilton v. United States

Case Details

Full title:LOUIS CHARLES HAMILTON II, Plaintiff, v. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, et al.…

Court:UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Date published: Feb 3, 2016

Citations

Case: 1:16-cv-00185 (D.D.C. Feb. 3, 2016)