Opinion
Civil Action No. 17-2035 (UNA)
10-19-2017
SURF MOORE, Plaintiff, v. U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT, et al., Defendants.
MEMORANDUM OPINION
The Court construes the plaintiff's pro se complaint and application to proceed in forma pauperis. While reviewing the complaint, the Court keeps in mind that pleadings 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, 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); see Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662, 678-79 (2009). The purpose of the minimum standard of Rule 8 is to give fair notice to the defendants of the claims being asserted such that they can prepare a responsive answer, prepare an adequate defense, and determine whether the doctrine of res judicata applies. Brown v. Califano, 75 F.R.D. 497, 498 (D.D.C. 1977).
As drafted, this complaint fails to comply with Rule 8(a). It does not appear to state the grounds upon which this court's jurisdiction depends, a statement of a cognizable claim showing plaintiff's entitlement to relief, or any support for the plaintiff's demand for $ 100 million.
The Court will grant the plaintiff's application to proceed in forma pauperis, deny his motion for injunctive relief, and dismiss this civil action without prejudice. An Order is issued separately. DATE: 10/19/17
/s/_________
United States District Judge