Magness et al v. Reynolds et al
Filing
15
ORDER that pltfs shall file their amended complaint as directed within 30 days from the entry of this Order. Signed by Chief Judge J. Leon Holmes on 9/6/11. (vjt)
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS
WESTERN DIVISION
JOHN W. MAGNESS and
MATTHEW B. WARFORD, ADC #146852
v.
PLAINTIFFS
NO. 4:11CV00598 JLH
DAVID REYNOLDS, Judge,
Van Buren County, et al.
DEFENDANTS
ORDER
John W. Magness and Matthew B. Warford, who are inmates in the Arkansas Department
of Correction, have commenced this action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983 against two circuit judges,
two assistant prosecuting attorneys, a public defender, and an investigator, regarding matters that
relate to criminal prosecutions in Van Buren County, Arkansas. They have applied for and been
granted leave to proceed in forma pauperis pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915.
The Prison Litigation Reform Act requires federal courts to screen prisoner complaints
seeking legal action against a governmental entity, officer, or employee. 28 U.S.C. § 1915A(a). So
that the Court can perform this screening function more accurately, the Court directs Magness and
Warford to file an amended complaint within thirty (30) days from the entry of this Order stating
specifically what each of them alleges that each defendant did that constitutes a wrong for which
relief is sought in this action. Magness and Warford are also directed to state specifically what
damages or what relief they are requesting that the Court award as a result of the alleged wrongdoing
by each of the defendants. In their amended complaint, Magness and Warford should explain how
the wrongdoing of each defendant caused harm to them and explain what relief or remedy they are
asking from the Court with respect to each defendant. In part, the Court needs to know if they are
alleging that they were wrongfully convicted as a result of the alleged bribery scheme, so the
amended complaint must specifically state whether they are alleging that they were wrongfully
convicted as a result of the alleged bribery scheme. The Court also needs to know more detail
regarding the alleged assault by Cris Carnahan. The amended complaint should state specifically
what Carnahan did that constitutes an assault, when he did it, how he did it, and who was present.
With respect to Jeff Bittle, the amended complaint should state specifically when he talked to jurors,
whether it was before, during, or after the trial, the circumstances under which he talked to them,
what he said to the jurors, and what harm to the plaintiffs resulted from his conversations with the
jurors.
The plaintiffs should take note of Local Rule 5.5(c)(2), which states:
(2) Parties appearing pro se. It is the duty of any party not represented by Local
Rules of the United States District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of
Arkansas counsel to promptly notify the Clerk and the other parties to the
proceedings of any change in his or her address, to monitor the progress of the case,
and to prosecute or defend the action diligently. A party appearing for himself/herself
shall sign his/her pleadings and state his/her address, zip code, and telephone
number. If any communication from the Court to a pro se plaintiff is not responded
to within thirty (30) days, the case may be dismissed without prejudice. Any party
proceeding pro se shall be expected to be familiar with and follow the Federal Rules
of Civil Procedure.
Magness and Warford must file their amended complaint within thirty (30) days from the
entry of this Order. Failure to comply with this Order could result in dismissal of this case.
IT IS SO ORDERED this 6th day of September, 2011.
J. LEON HOLMES
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
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