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Gabba v. Dietch

Citation: 46 F. App'x 544Docket: No. 01-56332; D.C. No. CV-01-05320-TJH

Court: Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; September 19, 2002; Federal Appellate Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

Thomas J. Gabba, a civilly committed patient at a California state prison hospital, appeals the district court's denial of his application to proceed in forma pauperis regarding a 42 U.S.C. § 1983 action involving himself and two other inmates. The appellate court has jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1291 and reviews the denial for abuse of discretion. The district court denied the in forma pauperis application, mistakenly believing only Gabba had submitted a supporting declaration, while the record shows that all three plaintiffs had indeed filed declarations. This misapprehension constitutes an abuse of discretion. As a result, the appellate court vacates the district court's order and remands the case for further proceedings, with Gabba responsible for his own costs on appeal. The decision is not intended for publication and is subject to Ninth Circuit Rule 36-3 regarding citation.

Legal Issues Addressed

Abuse of Discretion Standard

Application: The appellate court determined that the district court abused its discretion by misunderstanding the procedural facts, leading to an incorrect decision on the in forma pauperis application.

Reasoning: This misapprehension constitutes an abuse of discretion.

Costs on Appeal

Application: Despite the appellate court's decision to vacate and remand, the appellant, Gabba, is responsible for his own costs incurred during the appeal process.

Reasoning: As a result, the appellate court vacates the district court's order and remands the case for further proceedings, with Gabba responsible for his own costs on appeal.

In Forma Pauperis Applications

Application: The district court's denial of the in forma pauperis application was reviewed for abuse of discretion, and the appellate court found that the district court erred in its understanding of the submissions by the plaintiffs.

Reasoning: The district court denied the in forma pauperis application, mistakenly believing only Gabba had submitted a supporting declaration, while the record shows that all three plaintiffs had indeed filed declarations.

Jurisdiction of Appellate Courts

Application: Under 28 U.S.C. § 1291, the appellate court has jurisdiction to review and vacate the district court's order based on its erroneous denial of the in forma pauperis application.

Reasoning: The appellate court has jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1291 and reviews the denial for abuse of discretion.