Donnette-Sherman v. State of Washington
Filing
3
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE OR AMEND, signed by Magistrate Judge David W. Christel. Plaintiff's amended complaint/petition or response due by 9/11/2017. (Attachments: # 1 proposed Amended Complaint (blank), # 2 Address List, # 3 Proposed Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus (blank), # 4 Pro Se Instruction Sheet)(CMG)(cc with forms mailed to Plaintiff)
U.S. DISTRICT COURT FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON
Instructions to a Prisoner Pro Se Plaintiff
Your suit was filed and has been assigned case number C17‐5600BHS/DWC. These instructions do not include
everything you need to know to pursue your case, but following them may help you avoid common mistakes.
Filing and Serving Generally ‐ After a defendant has been served your complaint, you must serve a copy of all
other documents and motions you file with the Court on the attorney for defendant or on the defendant if the
defendant is pro se). You can serve your papers by mail (or as otherwise authorized by Rule 5 of the Federal Rules
of Civil Procedure). All documents and motions you file must contain a Certificate of Service reflecting that you
served the defendant. This is an example of language you may use:
I hereby certify that on [insert date], I forwarded a copy of the foregoing document to [insert name of
defendant’s attorney or pro se defendant], at the address of [insert mailing address].
[Signature]
If you want a file‐stamped copy of the document you filed with the Court, submit the original, and an extra copy to
be returned to you. The clerk cannot make copies for you unless you first pay a fee of 50 cents per page.
You must type or legibly handwrite your documents on one side of numbered pages. Any exhibit or discovery
material attached to the filing must be referred to in the filing. Any exhibit or discovery material not referred to in
your filing or not attached to your filing may be returned to you.
You must remove certain personal identifying information in all papers filed with the Court, including: dates of
birth, names of minor children, and social security, financial account, passport, and driver license numbers.
Filing Motions ‐ If you want the Court to take an action, you must file a written motion stating what you want the
Court to do, provide your reasons for the action, and serve a copy of your motion on defendant or defendant’s
attorney. Place the title of your motion in the caption along with a noting date for the Court to review your
motion:
Note these motions for the day they are filed: (1) stipulated, agreed, and joint submissions; (2)
request for over‐length pleading; (3) reconsideration; (4) default;
Note these motions three Fridays after filing: (1) other non‐dispositive motions; (2) relief from
deadline; (3) protective order; (4) seal; (5) default (where opposing party has appeared); (6) to
compel discovery; (7) quash.
Note these motions four Fridays after filing: (1) dispositive motions (dismissal and summary
judgment); (2) preliminary injunctions.
Change of Address – You must inform the Court and opposing parties promptly if you change your address. If you
fail to do so, your case may be dismissed.
Discovery Materials ‐ Do not file discovery materials (i.e., interrogatories, requests for production and/or
admissions). If you file a motion to compel discovery, you may attach only the portions of discovery that are
relevant to your motion.
Questions About Your Case ‐ Do not write letters to the District Judge or Magistrate Judge asking questions about
your case ‐ all communication with the Court should be through motions. Do not write letters to the Clerk asking
for instructions on how to handle your case as the Clerk is prohibited from giving legal advice.
Lack of Action ‐ It is important that you take action after you start your lawsuit. If more than one year passes
without any activity, the Court may dismiss your case for lack of prosecution.
Disclaimer: Justia Dockets & Filings provides public litigation records from the federal appellate and district courts. These filings and docket sheets should not be considered findings of fact or liability, nor do they necessarily reflect the view of Justia.
Why Is My Information Online?