Wilson v. McGinnis et al
Filing
39
OPINION AND ORDER denying Motion for Appointment of Expert Witness and Second Motion for Appointment of Counsel re 29 Motion to Appoint ; 33 Motion to Appoint.(Signed by Magistrate Judge B. Janice Ellington) Parties notified.(amireles, 2)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS
CORPUS CHRISTI DIVISION
WILLIAM M. WILSON,
Plaintiff,
VS.
FRANCES E. MCGINNIS, et al,
Defendants.
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§ CIVIL ACTION NO. 2:13-CV-204
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OPINION AND ORDER DENYING MOTION FOR APPOINTMENT
OF EXPERT WITNESS AND SECOND MOTION
FOR APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL
Plaintiff, proceeding pro se and in forma pauperis, is an inmate incarcerated
TDCJ-CID’s McConnell Unit in Beeville, Texas. He filed this lawsuit pursuant to 42
U.S.C. § 1983, complaining about the failure of medical personnel to diagnose and treat
his sleep disorder and injuries related to sleepwalking (D.E. 1). Pending are his motion
for appointment of a medical expert and second motion for appointment of counsel (D.E.
29, 33).
Appointment of Counsel
In Bounds v. Smith, the Supreme Court held that a prisoner's constitutional right
of access to the courts requires that the access be meaningful; that is, prison officials must
provide pro se litigants with writing materials, access to the law library, or other forms of
legal assistance. Bounds v. Smith, 430 U.S. 817, 829 (1977). There is, however, no
constitutional right to appointment of counsel in civil rights cases.
Akasike v.
Fitzpatrick, 26 F.3d 510, 512 (5th Cir. 1994); Branch v. Cole, 686 F.2d 264, 266 (5th Cir.
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1982). Further, Bounds did not create a "free-standing right to a law library or legal
assistance." Lewis v. Casey, 116 S. Ct. 2174, 2180 (1996). It is within the Court's
discretion to appoint counsel, unless the case presents "exceptional circumstances," thus
requiring the appointment. 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(1); Cupit v. Jones, 835 F.2d 82, 86 (5th
Cir. 1987).
A number of factors should be examined when determining whether to appoint
counsel. Jackson v. Dallas Police Department, 811 F.2d 260, 261-62 (5th Cir. 1986)
(citing Ulmer v. Chancellor, 691 F.2d 209 (5th Cir. 1982)). The first is the type and
complexity of the case. Id. Though serious, plaintiff’s allegations are not complex.
The second and third factors are whether the plaintiff is in a position to adequately
investigate and present his case. Plaintiff’s pleadings, as well as his testimony at the
evidentiary hearing, demonstrate that he is reasonably intelligent, articulate, and able to
describe the facts underlying his claims. He appears, at this stage of the case, to be in a
position to adequately investigate and present his case. Plaintiff has included citations of
authority, reflecting he is able to use the law library.
The fourth factor which should be examined is whether the evidence will consist
in large part of conflicting testimony so as to require skill in the presentation of evidence
and in cross-examination. Examination of this factor is premature because no trial date
has been scheduled. Dispositive motions are not due until May 2, 2014.
Plaintiff has not shown that exceptional circumstances require the appointment of
counsel. In addition, there is no indication that appointed counsel would aid in the
efficient and equitable disposition of the case. The Court has the authority to award
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attorneys' fees to a prevailing plaintiff. 42 U.S.C. § 1988. Plaintiff is not prohibited from
hiring an attorney on a contingent-fee arrangement.
Plaintiff's second motion for
appointment of counsel (D.E. 33) is denied without prejudice at this time. This order will
be sua sponte reexamined as the case proceeds.
Appointment of Expert
Plaintiff also requests appointment of a medical expert to assist the jury in
understanding the issues (D.E. 29). Again, this motion is premature, as the case has not
been scheduled for trial. Moreover, the Plaintiff has cited no authority in support of his
motion. Even though he is proceeding in forma pauperis, the in forma pauperis statute,
28 U.S.C. § 1915, does not provide for appointment of experts, and there are no public
funds available for appointment of an expert. Pedraza v. Jones, 72 F.3d 194, 196-97 (5th
Cir. 1995). The motion (D.E. 29) is denied without prejudice.
ORDERED this 10th day of March, 2014.
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B. JANICE ELLINGTON
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
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