Ruffin v. Rutledge

Filing 7

ORDER dismissing this case without prejudice and certifying that an in forma pauperis appeal from this Order or the accompanying Judgment would not be taken in good faith. Signed by Judge Lee P. Rudofsky on 7/14/2021. (jbh)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS
CENTRAL DIVISION
CORTLAND RUFFIN
ADC #138115

PLAINTIFF

v.

Case No. 4:21-CV-00391-LPR

LESLIE RUTLEDGE

DEFENDANT
ORDER

Plaintiff Cortland Ruffin filed this pro se action challenging the legality of Arkansas Senate
Bill 544.1 On June 3, 2021, the Court denied Mr. Ruffin’s Motion to Proceed In Forma Pauperis
because Mr. Ruffin’s Certificate of Inmate Account and Assets indicated that Mr. Ruffin had
$2,936.22 in his prison account.2 The Court directed Mr. Ruffin to pay the $402 filing fee within
30 days of the June 3 Order.3 The Court advised Mr. Ruffin that if he did not do so, his Complaint
would be dismissed pursuant to Local Rule 5.5(c)(2).4
Mr. Ruffin has not paid the filing fee or otherwise responded to the June 3 Order.
Accordingly, this case is dismissed without prejudice pursuant to Local Rule 5.5(c)(2). The Court
certifies, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a)(3), that an in forma pauperis appeal from this Order or
the accompanying Judgment would not be taken in good faith.

1

Pl.’s Compl. (Doc. 2).

2

Court’s Order Denying IFP Motion (Doc. 6).

3

Id. at 1-2.

4

Local Rule 5.5(c)(2) provides:
It is the duty of any party not represented by 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.

IT IS SO ORDERED this 14th day of July, 2021.

_________________________________
LEE P. RUDOFSKY
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE 

2