Opinion
No. 3:16-cv-01617-MO
08-16-2016
KENNETH MEDENBACH, et al., Plaintiffs, v. ANNA J. BROWN, et al., Defendants.
OPINION AND ORDER MOSMAN, J.,
Pro se Plaintiffs filed a Complaint [2] alleging Judge Brown lacks the authority to oversee their pending criminal case No. 3:16-cr-00051-BR. Plaintiff Kenneth Medenbach filed an Application for Leave to Proceed IFP [1]. For the following reasons, I DENY the Motion for Leave to Proceed IFP [1] and DISMISS the case.
DISCUSSION
Plaintiff Medenbach invokes 28 U.S.C. § 1915 to apply for leave to proceed in forma pauperis. A complaint filed in forma pauperis may be dismissed if it is determined that the action is frivolous, malicious, fails to state a claim on which relief may be granted, or seeks monetary relief against a defendant who is immune from such relief. See 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B).
There are three reasons why this case is frivolous and thus must be dismissed. First, it is untenable to use a civil case to dismiss a criminal case. Second, this precise issue has been decided several times in the criminal case [932], and I view those decisions as binding, at least until the conclusion of the criminal case. Third, the merits of Plaintiffs' arguments are frivolous. See United States v. Medenbach, 1997 WL 306437, at *3 (9th Cir. June 5, 1997) (holding "we reject Medenbach's claim that the district court judge's oath of office was deficient").
CONCLUSION
Mr. Medenbach's Application for Leave to Proceed IFP [1] is DENIED. Plaintiffs' complaint is DISMISSED.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
DATED this 16th day of August, 2016.
/s/ Michael W. Mosman
MICHAEL W. MOSMAN
Chief United States District Judge