Steele v. Langley et al

Filing 31

REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS re MOTION for Summary Judgment be granted and that plaintiff's complaint be dismissed with prejudice. Objections to R&R due by 2/17/2009. Signed by Magistrate Judge Sonja F. Bivins on 1/26/09. copy to plaintiff (srr)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA NORTHERN DIVISION WILLIAM JAMES STEELE, Plaintiff, vs. SHERIFF JESSE LANGLEY, et al., Defendants. : : : : : REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION Plaintiff, an Alabama prison inmate proceeding pro se and in forma pauperis filed a Complaint under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, alleging violations of his Fourteenth Amendment constitutional rights.1 This action was referred to the undersigned pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(B) and Local Rule 72.2(c)(4), and is now before the undersigned on Defendants' Motion for Summary Judgment (Docs. 20 and 28), and Plaintiff's opposition thereto. (Doc. 30). For the CIVIL ACTION 07-00422-KD-B

reasons stated below, it is recommended that Defendants' Motion for Summary Judgment be granted and that Plaintiff's action

against these Defendants be dismissed with prejudice.
1

Plaintiff originally filed this action on June 8, 2007, (Doc. 1), but, because he used outdated complaint forms, on July 18, 2007, this Court ordered Plaintiff to file his Complaint using updated forms. (Doc. 3). Subsequently, Plaintiff filed his new Complaint on the proper forms on July 30, 2007, (Doc. 4), and by this Court=s Order of July 18, 2007, this Complaint supersedes the original. (Doc. 3).

I.

SUMMARY OF ALLEGATIONS

From its review of the record, the Court summarizes the parties' allegations which are material to the issues addressed in this Report and Recommendation. On April 30, 2005, Plaintiff was arrested by the Demopolis Police Department for the crimes of Burglary III, Possession of Burglary Tools, and Possession of a Forbidden Fire Arm. 20, Exs. A and B). (Doc.

In his Complaint, Plaintiff claims that he

was assaulted by Demopolis police officers at the time of the arrest; however, Plaintiff has not named any Demopolis police officers as Defendants in this action, and has not raised the alleged assault as an issue in this lawsuit. (Doc. 4 at 4).

Following Plaintiff's arrest, but prior to being booked into the Marengo County Jail, Plaintiff was taken to the emergency room at Benjamin W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital, where he was examined by Dr. Ronnie Chu. (Id.; Doc. 20). According to Plaintiff, Dr. Chu

took x-rays of his body. Plaintiff claims that during the alleged "assault" involving the Demopolis police officers, he was hit in the head with an object, which caused his head to swell, and resulted in a

contusion and lacerations on his wrists, from the "abuse of officers handcuff procedures in the assault." (Doc. 4 at 4).

Plaintiff complains that he was not given anything for pain, and

that around 11:00 p.m, he left the hospital and was booked into the Marengo County Jail. (Id.). According to Plaintiff, the

next morning he was suffering physically from the "beating" that he had received. He requested and was denied pain medication.

Plaintiff alleges that he asked Defendant Kevin McKinney for permission to see a doctor and that he filled out several sick

call request forms; however, his requests for medical treatment were denied. (Id. at 4-5). Plaintiff alleges that Defendant

Sheriff Langley knew that he was injured and in need of medical treatment and was also was aware that Plaintiff was denied

medical treatment from April 30, 2005, until August 4, 2005. (Doc. 4 at 5). The medical records reflect that while at the Benjamin W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital on April 30, 2005, Plaintiff

complained of chronic pain to his feet and also pain to his wrists and neck. (Doc. 20, Ex. F at 4). It is noted that

Plaintiff was observed to have slight redness and swelling on his hands and feet. X-rays were performed, which indicated that

Plaintiff suffers from degenerative disc disease.

(Id. at 3-4).

Plaintiff was administered a dose of Motrin for pain, along with a tetanus shot. Dr. Chu, who examined Plaintiff at the Hospital,

did not note that Plaintiff suffered from any serious medical condition. (Id. at 1-4). 3 Before leaving the Hospital,

Plaintiff was also examined by Dr. Simmons, who determined that Plaintiff was "acceptable for admission into jail." Ex. G). The Plaintiff record evidence a reflects that on August medical 2, 2005, (Doc. 20,

submitted

written

request

for

attention.

(Doc. 20, Ex. H).

Plaintiff complained that he suffered from

pain in his head, teeth, ears, hands, and feet, and asserted that this pain had been ongoing since April 30, 2005. (Id.) On

August 3, 2005, Plaintiff was taken to see Dr. Ronnie Chu for treatment. (Doc. 20, Exs. J, K). Plaintiff complained to Dr. (Doc. 20, Ex. blood

Chu of head pains, a tooth ache, and sore hands. K). Dr. Chu prescribed medication for

Plaintiff's

pressure, as well as Tylenol for pain relief.

(Id. at 1-2).

According to Defendants, per Dr. Chu's instructions, Plaintiff was provided the blood pressure medication from August 2005, until his release into the custody of the Department of

Corrections.

(Doc. 20 at 4). II. PROCEDURAL ASPECTS OF THE CASE

Plaintiff, on June 8, 2007, filed the present § 1983 action against alleging Defendants the Sheriff of Jesse Langley medical and Kevin McKinney, his

denial

proper

treatment

during

4

incarceration at the Marengo County Jail.2

(Doc. 4).

Plaintiff

claims that his medical treatment was unnecessarily delayed, and resulted in "pain and suffering." He seeks compensatory damages

in the amount of $300,000. (Id. at 7). In their Special Report and Answer filed on March 10, 2008, and July 11, 2008, respectively, Defendants deny Plaintiff's

allegations and assert the defenses of absolute and qualified immunity, statute of limitations, and failure to comply with the Prison Litigation Reform Act.3
2

(Docs. 20, 28).

In an Order

As previously noted, Plaintiff originally filed this action on June 8, 2007, but was ordered by this Court to file his Complaint using this Court=s updated forms. (Docs. 1 and 3). Plaintiff filed his amended complaint on July 30, 2007. Plaintiff does not specify whether he is suing Sheriff Langley in his official or individual capacity or both. Thus, the Court will consider both. As an Alabama sheriff, Defendant Langley is a state official entitled to absolute immunity from suit for damages in his official capacity. See West v. Tillman, 496 F.3d 1321, 1326 n.7 (11th Cir. 2007) (citing Lancaster v. Monroe County, 116 F.3d 1419, 1429 (11th Cir. 1997)). This immunity also extends to Defendant McKinney who, employed by Sheriff Langley, represents the State in his duties at Marengo County Jail. Furthermore, "[q]ualified immunity protects government officials performing discretionary functions from suits in their individual capacities unless their conduct violates `clearly established statutory or constitutional rights of which a reasonable person would have known.'" Dalrymple v. Reno, 334 F.3d 991, 994 (11th Cir. 2003) (quoting Hope v. Pelzer, 536 U.S. 730, 739 (2002)). In determining whether qualified immunity is appropriate in a given case, "[t]he court must first ask the threshold question whether the facts alleged, taken in the light most favorable to the plaintiffs, show that the government official's conduct violated a constitutional right." Dalrymple, 334 F.3d at 995 (citing Saucier v. Katz, 533 U.S. 194, 201 (2001)). Having found herein that Plaintiff's allegations do 5
3

dated August 7, 2008,

Defendants' Special Report and Answer were

converted into a Motion for Summary Judgment, and Plaintiff was provided notice and an opportunity to respond. (Doc. 29).

Defendants' motion and Plaintiff's response in opposition thereto are now before the Court. III. SUMMARY JUDGMENT STANDARD

In analyzing the propriety of a motion for summary judgment, the Court begins with these basic principles. The Federal Rules

of Civil Procedure grant this Court authority under Rule 56 to render "judgment as a matter of law" to a party who moves for summary judgment. "[S]ummary judgment to is proper `if the and

pleadings,

depositions,

answers

interrogatories,

admissions on file, together with the affidavits, if any, show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact. . . .'" Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 322 (1986) (quoting Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(c). The Court must view the evidence produced by "the nonmoving party, and all factual inferences arising from it, in the light most favorable to" that party. 923, 934 (11th Cir. 1989). not establish a constitutional violation, Athere is no necessity for further inquiries concerning qualified immunity.@ Saucier, 533 U.S. at 201. Barfield v. Brierton, 883 F.2d

6

However, Rule 56(e) states that: an adverse party [to a motion for summary judgment] may not rest upon the mere allegations or denials of the adverse party's pleading, but the adverse party's response, by affidavits or as otherwise provided in this rule, must set forth specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial. If the adverse party does not so respond, summary judgment, if appropriate, shall be entered against the adverse party. Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(e); see also Celotex Corp., 477 U.S. at 325-27. "[T]here is no issue for trial unless there is sufficient evidence favoring the nonmoving party for a jury to return a verdict for that party. . . . If the evidence is merely

colorable, . . . or is not significantly probative, . . . summary judgment may be granted." Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 "Summary

U.S. 242, 249-50 (1986) (internal citations omitted).

judgment is mandated where a party `fails to make a showing sufficient to establish the existence of an element essential to that party's case, and on which that party will bear the burden of proof at trial.'" Custom Mfg. & Eng'g, Inc. v. Midway Servs.,

Inc., 508 F.3d 641, 647 (11th Cir. 2007) (citations omitted). IV. DISCUSSION

As discussed above, Plaintiff seeks redress in this action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for an alleged constitutional

7

deprivation

arising

out

of

his

incarceration

at

the

Marengo

County Jail April 30, 2005 through August 4, 2005.

(Doc. 4).

Specifically, Plaintiff claims that Defendants unconstitutionally denied him medical treatment from April 30, 2005, when he was arrested, until August 4, 2005. (Id.).

Section 1983 provides in pertinent part that: Every person who, under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, of any State or Territory or the District of Columbia, subjects, or causes to be subjected, any citizen of the United States or other person within the jurisdiction thereof to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution and laws, shall be liable to the party injured in an action at law, suit in equity, or other proper proceeding for redress. . . . 42 U.S.C. § 1983 (1994). In addressing Plaintiff's claims brought under § 1983, the Court begins its right analysis allegedly "by identifying . . the ." specific Graham v.

constitutional

infringed.

Connor, 490 U.S. 386, 394 (1989).

In this case, the record

shows that Plaintiff was initially held in the Marengo County Jail as a pretrial detainee on charges of Third Degree Burglary, Possession of Burglary Tools, and Possession of a Forbidden Fire Arm. (Doc. 20, Ex. A). As a pretrial detainee, Plaintiff was See Williams v. Limestone

protected by the Fourteenth Amendment.

8

County,

Ala.,

198

Fed.

Appx.

893,

896

n.3

(11th

Cir.

2006)

(unpublished) (citing Bell v. Wolfish, 441 U.S. 520 (1979)). "[T]he minimum standard for providing medical care to a pre-trial detainee under the Fourteenth Amendment is the same as the

minimum standard required by the Eighth Amendment for a convicted prisoner; both the right to due process and the right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment are violated by a government official's deliberate indifference to serious medical needs." Lancaster v. Monroe County, Ala., 116 F.3d 1419, 1425 n.6 (11th Cir. 1997). In Sims v. Mashburn, 25 F.3d 980 (11th Cir. 1994), the Eleventh Circuit delineated the objective and subjective portions of an Eighth Amendment claim as follows: An Eighth Amendment claim is said to have two components, an objective component, which inquires whether the alleged wrongdoing was objectively harmful enough to establish a constitutional violation, and a subjective component, which inquires whether the officials acted with a sufficiently culpable state of mind. Sims, 25 F.3d at 983. To meet the objective element required to

demonstrate a denial of medical care in violation of the Eighth Amendment, a plaintiff first must demonstrate the objective

existence of a "serious" medical need.

Hill v. Dekalb Reg'l

Youth Det. Ctr., 40 F.3d 1176, 1186 (1994) (citing Hudson v.

9

McMillian, 503 U.S. 1, 10 (1992)). is one that has been diagnosed by

"[A] `serious' medical need a physician as mandating

treatment or one that is so obvious that even a lay person would easily recognize the necessity for a doctor's attention." 40 F.3d at 1187 (citations omitted). Hill,

"[T]he medical need must be

`one that, if left unattended, pos[es] a substantial risk of serious harm.'" Farrow v. West, 320 F.3d 1235, 1243 (11th Cir.

2003) (quotation marks and citations omitted). Next, in order to meet the required subjective element of an Eighth Amendment denial of medical care claim, a plaintiff must demonstrate "deliberate indifference" to a serious medical need. Hill, 40 F.3d at 1186. In Estelle, the Supreme Court established that "deliberate indifference" entails more than mere negligence. Estelle, 429 U.S. at 106, 97 S. Ct. 285; Farmer, 511 U.S. at 835, 114 S. Ct. 1970. The Supreme Court clarified the "deliberate indifference" standard in Farmer by holding that a prison official cannot be found deliberately indifferent under the Eighth Amendment "unless the official knows of and disregards an excessive risk to inmate health or safety; the official must both be aware of facts from which the inference could be drawn that a substantial risk of serious harm exists, and he must also draw the inference." Farmer, 511 U.S. at 837, 114 S. Ct. 1970 (emphasis added). In interpreting Farmer and Estelle, this Court explained in McElligott that "deliberate indifference has three components: (1) subjective knowledge of a risk of serious harm; (2) disregard of that risk; (3) by 10

conduct that is more than mere negligence." McElligott, 182 F.3d at 1255; Taylor, 221 F.3d at 1258 (stating that defendant must have subjective awareness of an "objectively serious need" and that his response must constitute "an objectively insufficient response to that need"). Farrow, 320 F.3d at 1245-46 (emphasis in original). "Delay in access to medical attention can violate the Eighth Amendment . . . when it is tantamount to unnecessary and wanton infliction of pain." Hill, 40 F.3d at 1187 (internal citations "Cases stating a constitutional

and quotation marks omitted).

claim for immediate or emergency medical attention have concerned medical needs that are obvious even to a layperson because they involve life-threatening conditions or situations where it is apparent that delay would detrimentally exacerbate the medical problem." Id.; accord Lancaster, 116 F.3d at 1425 (applying the

Fourteenth Amendment). "The tolerable length of delay in providing medical

attention depends on the nature of the medical need and the reason for the delay." Hill, 40 F.3d at 1188 (emphasis in

original) (quoting Harris v. Coweta County, 21 F.3d 388, 393-94 (11th Cir. 1994)). The "seriousness" of an inmate's medical needs also may be decided by reference to the effect of delay in treatment. Gaudreault, 923 F.2d at 208; Monmouth County, 834 F.2d at 347. Where the delay results in an inmate's 11

suffering "a life-long handicap or permanent loss, the medical need is considered serious." Id. Hill, 40 F.3d at 1188 (emphasis in original). complains that delay in medical treatment "An inmate who rose to a

constitutional violation must place verifying medical evidence in the record to establish the detrimental effect of delay in

medical treatment to succeed." omitted). Although Plaintiff

Id. (emphasis added) (footnotes

provides

very

little

information

regarding his alleged medical problems other than reference to pain that he claims to have suffered following his arrest on April 30, 2005, for which he undisputedly received medical

treatment, the Court will assume, for purposes of this motion, that Plaintiff's medical problems constitute an objectively

serious medical need. subjective element of

Therefore, the Court turns to the second, Plaintiff's claim, that is, whether

Defendants were deliberately indifferent to Plaintiff's serious medical need. As noted supra, on the April record 30, reflects he that following to the

Plaintiff's Benjamin W.

arrest

2005,

was

taken

Whitfield

Memorial

Hospital,

where

Plaintiff

complained of chronic pain to his feet, as well as wrist pain and neck pain. (Doc. 20, Ex. F at 4). 12 Plaintiff's medical records

indicate that his care was "non urgent."

While at the hospital,

Plaintiff was examined and treated by Dr. Ronnie Chu, who found Plaintiff's hands to be slightly swollen and red. afforded x-rays and given a tetanus shot. Plaintiff was

Dr. Chu concluded that

Plaintiff suffered from degenerative disc disease and arthritis. Plaintiff was given a tetanus shot and a single dose of Motrin 400 mg. (Id. at 4-5, 8). Plaintiff was also examined by Dr.

Simmons, who opined that Plaintiff was acceptable for admission into jail. (Doc. 20, Ex. G). On this occasion, neither doctor

prescribed any ongoing treatment for Plaintiff. The record is silent as to any alleged medical problems of Plaintiff until his written request for medical care dated August 2, 2005.4 (Doc. 20, Ex. H). In his written request, it appears

that Plaintiff reported that he was suffering from head, eye, ear, and tooth pain, as well as foot pain. Plaintiff also

complained that he had been suffering from this pain since April 30, 2005, the date of his arrest. (Id.). At the bottom of the

request form, doctor's instructions are written that list two medications
4

and

their

dosages,

one

for

the

pain

medication

At times in their Special Report, Defendants appear to reference this Medical Request as having been dated August 5, 2005, however, it appears to the Court that this request was dated August 2, 2005, and in fact, according to Plaintiff's medical records, he was taken to see a physician on August 3, 2005. (Doc. 20, Exs. J, K). 13

Tylenol and one for Benicar, a blood pressure medication.

(Id.).

As best the Court can discern, these prescriptions appear to be have been authorized by Dr. Ronnie Chu following his examination of Plaintiff on August 3, 2005. (Doc. 20, Exs. J, K at 3).

Medical records from Physician's Family Healthcare indicate that Plaintiff was treated by Dr. Ronnie Chu on August 3, 2005. (Doc. 20, Ex. K at 3). Plaintiff complained of blurry vision and He also complained of ear (Id.).

of a head injury from April of 2005.

pain and of his right hand being sore from his handcuffs. Additionally, of his blood

Plaintiff reported to Dr. Chu that he had been out pressure medication for four months. (Id.).

Defendants contend and Plaintiff does not dispute that Plaintiff regularly received his blood pressure medication following his August 2005 visit to Dr. Chu up until he was released into the custody of the Department of Corrections.5 (Id.).

In this action, Plaintiff claims that his constitutional rights were violated because he endured pain and suffering as a result of the delay in medical care from April 30, 2005, until August 4, 2005.
5

Although Plaintiff does not actually allege that

It is unclear as to when Plaintiff was released into the custody of the Department of Corrections, however, Plaintiff only claims to have been denied or delayed medical care until August 4, 2005. (Doc. 4). His medical records, however, reflect that he was treated by Dr. Ronnie Chu on August 3, 2005, and Plaintiff has not objected to these records. 14

Defendants were "deliberately indifferent" to his serious medical needs, this Court, construing Plaintiff's vaguely pled Complaint liberally, will assume that the gist of Plaintiff's complaint is that Defendants were "deliberately indifferent" to his medical needs. However, this is not borne out by the record.

In order to constitute "deliberate indifference," Defendants must have known of and disregarded an excessive risk to

Plaintiff's health.

Farrow, 320 F.3d at 1245.

It is not at all

clear what specific condition or ailment Plaintiff's complaint of delay of medical care actually encompasses in this action. The

allegations of Plaintiff's Complaint center on the alleged pain and suffering that he endured following his arrest (or "assault," as he terms it) by the Demopolis Police Department. However, the

evidence is undisputed that following his arrest, Plaintiff was immediately taken to the local hospital and treated by a

physician, given x-rays, medication, and a tetanus shot. 4; Doc. 20).

(Doc.

In this instance, Plaintiff's real dissatisfaction

with the treatment appears to stem from the fact that Plaintiff was given Motrin, as opposed to a stronger type of pain

medication in response to his report of pain. medical decision made by the hospital

This however was a physician, not by

Defendants.

Furthermore, the physician on staff, as opposed to

Defendants, made the decision that Plaintiff was ready to be 15

discharged

and

physically

capable

of

being

booked

into

the

Marengo County Jail. Although Plaintiff asserts, in his Complaint, that the

following morning,

he requested medication for the pain he was

suffering, there is no record of a request for pain medication or for medical care prior to August 2, 2005. nothing in the hospital records to Further, there is that Plaintiff

indicate

suffered a "severe beating," as his only treatment was a single dose of Motrin 400 mg and a tetanus shot. (Doc. 20, Ex. F at 5).

Again, while Plaintiff's complaints to the emergency room staff the night of his arrest included "chronic" pain to feet, along with neck and wrist pain, his x-rays finding was degenerative disc disease. (Id. at 4-8). Plaintiff has made no attempt to Additionally, following

dispute the accuracy of these records.

Plaintiff's arrest, the only medical request contained in the record is dated August 2, 2005. While Plaintiff has made vague

and conclusory allegations that he requested medical care prior to August 2, 2005, he has not disputed the accuracy of the jail records, nor has he offered any probative evidence to support his assertions. During Plaintiff's August 3, 20005 visit to Dr. Chu, he

reported that he had been out of blood pressure medication for 4 months. While the Court finds it disturbing that Plaintiff would 16

have been without his blood pressure medication for four months, this fact alone is not sufficient to establish a constitutional violation, nor does the fact that Plaintiff might have

experienced delay in receiving Tylenol for his pain.

While it

might be argued that Defendants were negligent in administering to Plaintiff blood pressure medication and pain medication, mere negligence is not sufficient to support a constitutional claim. See Mandel v. Doe, 888 F. 2d 783, 787-88 (11th Cir. 1989) (solely showing negligence or medical malpractice "not sufficient" to constitute deliberate indifference). Plaintiff has not proffered

any evidence which suggests deliberate indifference on the part of Defendants. medical Moreover, evidence" Plaintiff showing has that not submitted in any

"verifying

delay

medical

treatment resulted in any diminishment of his physical or mental health. Hill, 40 F.3d at 1188 (emphasis added). The absence of

such evidence further undermines a finding that Defendants were deliberately indifferent to Plaintiff's serious medical needs. While "[d]elay in access to medical attention can violate the Eighth Amendment . . . when it is tantamount to unnecessary and wanton infliction of pain," Hill, 40 F.3d at 1187, the The record does

record in this case simply does not show such.

reflect that Plaintiff was given medical care on April 30, 2005,

17

at Benjamin W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital, and then again on August 3, 2005, at the office of Dr. Ronnie Chu. "When a prison inmate has received medical care, courts hesitate to find an Eighth Amendment violation." Waldrop v. Evans, 871 F.2d 1030, 1035 (11th Cir. 1989). "[D]elay in medical treatment must be interpreted in the context of the seriousness of the medical need, deciding whether the delay worsened the medical condition, and considering the reason for delay." Hill, 40 F.3d at 1189. Id. Considering all of the circumstances surrounding the

treatment that Plaintiff received for his medical problems, along with Plaintiff's vague and conclusory allegations, the Court

cannot conclude that any of the Defendants were deliberately indifferent to Plaintiff's medical issues. Thus, Plaintiff has

failed to establish the subjective element of his denial of medical care claim. If a party "fails to make a showing sufficient to establish the existence of an element essential to that party's case, and on which the party will bear the burden of proof at trial," Rule 56(c) mandates that summary judgment be entered against the nonmovant. Celotex Corp., 477 U.S. at 322.

"No material issues can be in dispute where the plaintiff's evidence fails to establish a constitutional violation." v. Parker, 898 F.2d 1530, 1534 (11th Cir. 1990). 18 Bennett

Therefore,

since no constitutional violation has been established, Defendants' Motion for Summary Judgment is due to be granted. V. CONCLUSION

Based on the foregoing, the Court concludes that Defendants are entitled to summary judgment in their favor on all claims asserted against them by Plaintiff. Accordingly, it is recommended that Defendants Sheriff Jesse Langley GRANTED and and Kevin that McKinney's Plaintiff's Motion for Summary be Judgment be

Complaint

DISMISSED

with

prejudice. The instructions which follow the undersigned's signature contain important information regarding objections to the report and recommendation of the Magistrate Judge. DONE this 26th day of January 2009.

/s/ SONJA F. BIVINS UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

19

MAGISTRATE JUDGE'S EXPLANATION OF PROCEDURAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATION AND FINDINGS CONCERNING NEED FOR TRANSCRIPT 1. Objection. Any party who objects to this recommendation or anything in it must, within ten days of the date of service of this document, file specific written objections with the clerk of court. Failure to do so will bar a de novo determination by the district judge of anything in the recommendation and will bar an attack, on appeal, of the factual findings of the magistrate judge. See 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(C); Lewis v. Smith, 855 F.2d 736, 738 (11th Cir. 1988). The procedure for challenging the findings and recommendations of the magistrate judge is set out in more detail in SD ALA LR 72.4 (June 1, 1997), which provides, in part, that: A party may object to a recommendation entered by a magistrate judge in a dispositive matter, that is, a matter excepted by 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(A), by filing a "Statement of Objection to Magistrate Judge's Recommendation" within ten days after being served with a copy of the recommendation, unless a different time is established by order. The statement of objection shall specify those portions of the recommendation to which objection is made and the basis for the objection. The objecting party shall submit to the district judge, at the time of filing the objection, a brief setting forth the party's arguments that the magistrate judge=s recommendation should be reviewed de novo and a different disposition made. It is insufficient to submit only a copy of the original brief submitted to the magistrate judge, although a copy of the original brief may be submitted or referred to and incorporated into the brief in support of the objection. Failure to submit a brief in support of the objection may be deemed an abandonment of the objection. A magistrate judge's recommendation cannot be appealed to a Court of Appeals; only the district judge's order or judgment can be appealed. Any opposing 2. Opposing party=s response to the objection. party may submit a brief opposing the objection within ten (10) days of being served with a copy of the statement of objection. Fed. R. Civ. P. 72; SD ALA LR 72.4(b). 3. Transcript (applicable where proceedings tape recorded). Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915 and Fed.R.Civ.P. 72(b), the 20

magistrate judge finds that the tapes and original records in this action are adequate for purposes of review. Any party planning to object to this recommendation, but unable to pay the fee for a transcript, is advised that a judicial determination that transcription is necessary is required before the United States will pay the cost of the transcript.

21