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Randall William Murphy v. Paul Morrison Fred Allenbrand, Sheriff Dennis Davis Johnson County Sheriff's Department Johnson County District Attorney's Office Thomas L. Green John/jane Doe

Citations: 30 F.3d 142; 1994 WL 371519Docket: 93-3240

Court: Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit; July 18, 1994; Federal Appellate Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

In this case, the plaintiff, having filed a civil rights complaint under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, alleged violations of various constitutional rights and statutes including 42 U.S.C. § 1988 and 18 U.S.C. § 1962 (civil RICO). The defendants comprised the Johnson County District Attorney's Office, the County, unnamed sheriff deputies, and specific individuals such as the district attorney and sheriff. The plaintiff's allegations included failure to investigate and prosecute reported criminal activities, including arson and threats. The district court dismissed claims against a private citizen as frivolous under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(d) and granted summary judgment for the remaining defendants, as the plaintiff's responses failed to address deficiencies in his claims. The appellate panel, consisting of Judges Logan, Seth, and Barrett, reviewed the case without oral argument. They upheld the district court’s dismissal, concurring with its factual and legal analyses. The ruling is non-precedential, except under limited circumstances, and the appellate mandate was issued immediately.

Legal Issues Addressed

Appeal Review by Appellate Panel

Application: The appellate panel affirmed the district court's decision, agreeing with its factual summary and legal application.

Reasoning: Upon review, the panel agreed with the district court's factual summary and legal application, affirming the dismissal for the reasons outlined in the district court's July 9, 1993, order.

Civil Rights Complaint under 42 U.S.C. § 1983

Application: The plaintiff's civil rights complaint was dismissed due to a failure to address the deficiencies identified by the district court.

Reasoning: Murphy's objections and responses to the defendants' motions largely reiterated his original claims without addressing the identified deficiencies.

Dismissal under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(d)

Application: The district court dismissed claims against a private citizen under the provision allowing for dismissal of frivolous or malicious claims.

Reasoning: The district court previously dismissed claims against a private citizen, Thomas L. Green, under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(d).

Summary Judgment for Defendants

Application: Summary judgment was granted in favor of the defendants due to the insufficiency of the plaintiff's claims.

Reasoning: The district court ... granted summary judgment in favor of the remaining defendants.