Rowell v. State Government et al

Filing 10

ORDER denying 8 Application on Proceed In Forma Pauperis on Appeal (Written Opinion). Signed by Judge Joan N. Ericksen on April 23, 2012. (slf) cc: Jessica Moniquie Rowell. Modified on 4/23/2012 (lmb).

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF MINNESOTA
Jessica Monique Rowell,
Plaintiff,
Civil No. 12-697 (JNE/AJB)
ORDER

v.
State & Federal Government,
Defendants.

On April 11, 2012, the Court adopted a Report and Recommendation dated March 21,
2010, denying Plaintiff’s application for leave to proceed in forma pauperis and dismissing the
action without prejudice. Plaintiff filed a notice of appeal and an application to proceed in
district court without prepaying fees or costs. The Court construes the latter as an application for
in forma pauperis status on appeal.
To qualify for in forma pauperis status on appeal, a litigant who appeals from a judgment
in a civil action must submit information that demonstrates the litigant’s inability to pay, or give
security for, the appellate filing fees. 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a)(1) (2006). Even if the litigant is
financially eligible to proceed in forma pauperis on appeal, the litigant may not appeal in forma
pauperis if the district court “certifies in writing that [the appeal] is not taken in good faith.” Id.
§ 1915(a)(3). Good faith in this context is judged by an objective standard rather than the
subjective beliefs of the appellant. Coppedge v. United States, 369 U.S. 438, 445 (1962). To
determine whether an appeal is taken in good faith, a court must decide whether the claims to be
decided on appeal are factually or legally frivolous. Id. An appeal is frivolous, and therefore
cannot be taken in good faith, “where it lacks an arguable basis either in law or in fact.” Neitzke
v. Williams, 490 U.S. 319, 325 (1989). For the reasons set forth in the Report and
Recommendation, Plaintiff’s “conspiracy lawsuit” against the “State and Federal Government” is

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“grounded wholly on delusions” and is legally frivolous. Plaintiff’s appeal is likewise frivolous.
The Court denies her application for in forma pauperis status on appeal.
Based on the files, records, and proceedings herein, and for the reasons stated above, IT
IS ORDERED THAT:
1.

The Court certifies that Plaintiff’s appeal is not taken in good faith.

2.

Plaintiff’s Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis on Appeal [Docket
No. 8] is DENIED.

Dated: April 23, 2012
s/ Joan N. Ericksen
JOAN N. ERICKSEN
United States District Judge

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