Mays v. Baker et al (INMATE1)(CONSENT)

Filing 21

MEMORANDUM OPINION. Signed by Honorable Judge Charles S. Coody on 11/22/2011. (wcl, )

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE UNITED STATES
FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF ALABAMA
NORTHERN DIVISION
CALVIN MAYS, JR.,
AIS #150299,
Plaintiff,
v.

MARIANNE BAKER, et al.,
Defendants.

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CIVIL ACTION NO. 2:11-CV-694-CSC
[WO]

MEMORANDUM OPINION
This cause of action is pending before the court on a 42 U.S.C. § 1983 complaint filed
by Calvin Mays, Jr. [“Mays”], a state inmate, on August 25, 2011. In his complaint, Mays
challenges the adequacy of medical treatment provided to him for pain in his hands by
medical personnel at the Kilby Correctional Facility. Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(c), the
parties have consented to entry of final judgment by the United States Magistrate Judge.
Pursuant to the orders of this court, the defendants filed a written report supported by
relevant evidentiary materials, including affidavits and medical records, in which they
addressed the claims for relief presented by Mays. The report and evidentiary materials
refute the self-serving, conclusory allegations presented in the instant cause of action.
Specifically, the undisputed evidentiary materials indicate the defendants provided medical
treatment to the plaintiff in accordance with their professional judgment and, in so doing, did
not act in violation of the plaintiff's constitutional rights. The court thereafter issued an order

directing Mays to file a response to the written report. Order of September 27, 2011 - Court
Doc. No. 19. The order advised Mays that his failure to respond to the defendants’ written
report would be treated by the court “as an abandonment of the claims set forth in the
complaint and as a failure to prosecute this action.” Id. at 1 (emphasis in original).
Additionally, the order “specifically cautioned [the plaintiff] that [his failure] to file a
response in compliance with the directives of this order” would result in the dismissal of
this civil action. Id. The time allotted Mays for filing a response in compliance with the
directives of this order expired on October 17, 2011. As of the present date, Mays has failed
to file a requisite response in opposition to the defendants’ written report. In light of the
foregoing, the court concludes that this case should be dismissed.
The court has reviewed the file in this case to determine whether a less drastic
measure than dismissal is appropriate. After such review, it is clear that dismissal of this
case without prejudice is the proper course of action. Mays is an indigent inmate. Thus, the
imposition of monetary or other punitive sanctions against him would be ineffectual.
Additionally, Mays has exhibited a lack of deference for this court and its authority as he has
failed to comply with the directives of the orders entered in this case. It is therefore apparent
that any additional effort by this court to secure his compliance would be unavailing.
Consequently, the court concludes that the plaintiff’s abandonment of his claims, his failure
to comply with the orders of this court and his failure to properly continue prosecution of this
cause of action warrant dismissal of this case.

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A separate order will accompany this memorandum opinion.
Done this 22nd day of November, 2011.

/s/Charles S. Coody
CHARLES S. COODY
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

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