Williams v. Rios

Filing 4

FINDINGS and RECOMMENDATIONS Recommending That 1 Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus be Dismissed, signed by Magistrate Judge Dennis L. Beck on 3/2/2010. Referred to Judge Anthony W. Ishii; Objections to F&R due by 4/5/2010. (Sondheim, M)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA 8 9 10 11 12 HECTOR A. RIOS, 13 Respondent. 14 15 Petitioner is a federal prisoner proceeding pro se with a petition for writ of habeas corpus 16 pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2241. 17 Petitioner filed the instant petition for writ of habeas corpus on February 3, 2010. (Court 18 Doc. 1.) Petitioner is currently detained at the United States Penitentiary in Atwater and 19 challenges his placement in the Security Housing Unit (SHU). 20 DISCUSSION 21 Writ of habeas corpus relief extends to a person in custody under the authority of the 22 United States. See 28 U.S.C. § 2241. Writ of habeas corpus relief is available if a federal prisoner 23 can show he is "in custody in violation of the Constitution or laws or treaties of the United 24 States." 28 U.S.C. § 2241(c)(3). However, where a Petitioner seeks to challenge the conditions 25 of his confinement, his claims are cognizable in a civil rights action rather than a habeas corpus 26 action. In the federal context, Bivens v. Six Unknown Named Agents of Federal Bureau of 27 Narcotics, 403 U.S. 388 (1971), provides petitioners with a remedy for violation of civil rights by 28 1 / v. CHRISTIAN WILLIAMS, Petitioner, 1:10-cv-00143-AWI-DLB (HC) FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATION REGARDING PETITION FOR WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS [Doc. 1]

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

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federal actors. C.f., Badea v. Cox, 931 F.2d 573, 574 (9th Cir. 1991) (challenges to conditions of confinement by state prisoners should be presented in a 42 U.S.C. § 1983 civil rights action rather than a habeas corpus petition). In this instance, Petitioner does not challenge the fact or duration of his confinement; rather, he challenges the conditions of his confinement. A civil rights complaint, not a habeas corpus petition, is the proper mechanism for a prisoner challenging the conditions of his confinement. See Bivens v. Six Unknown Named Agents of Federal Bureau of Narcotics, 403 U.S. 388 (1971). Accordingly, Petitioner is not entitled to relief under § 2241, and the instant petition should be dismissed. RECOMMENDATION Based on the foregoing, it is HEREBY RECOMMENDED that the instant petition for writ of habeas corpus be DISMISSED. This Findings and Recommendation is submitted to the assigned United States District Court Judge, pursuant to the provisions of 28 U.S.C. section 636 (b)(1)(B) and Rule 304 of the Local Rules of Practice for the United States District Court, Eastern District of California. Within thirty (30) days after being served with a copy, any party may file written objections with the court and serve a copy on all parties. Such a document should be captioned "Objections to Magistrate Judge's Findings and Recommendation." Replies to the objections shall be served and filed within fourteen (14) days after service of the objections. The Court will then review the Magistrate Judge's ruling pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636 (b)(1)(C). The parties are advised that failure to file objections within the specified time may waive the right to appeal the District Court's order. Martinez v. Ylst, 951 F.2d 1153 (9th Cir. 1991). IT IS SO ORDERED. Dated: 3b142a

March 2, 2010

/s/ Dennis L. Beck UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

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