Narrative Opinion Summary
The case involves an appeal from the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, concerning claims against the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and an unknown CIA agent. The appellant's claim under Bivens was dismissed due to the absence of individual constitutional violations by the Secretary. Additionally, claims against the CIA agent were time-barred under D.C. Code § 12-301. The court confirmed that a cause of action accrues when a plaintiff can initiate a lawsuit and seek relief. The district court's dismissal based on lack of subject matter jurisdiction was upheld, and there was no justification for the judge's disqualification. The appellant forfeited the opportunity to amend the complaint by not seeking leave after dismissal. Furthermore, the court ruled it lacked jurisdiction to transfer the case to the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. The court's decision will remain unpublished, with the mandate issuance delayed for seven days to allow for any rehearing petitions.
Legal Issues Addressed
Accrual of Cause of Actionsubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The court reaffirmed that a cause of action accrues when the plaintiff can file suit and seek relief, impacting the timing of the statute of limitations.
Reasoning: The court affirmed that a cause of action accrues when a plaintiff can file suit and seek relief.
Bivens Action Requirementssubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The appellant failed to state a claim under Bivens due to the lack of allegations that the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security personally violated the Constitution.
Reasoning: The appellant did not adequately state a claim under Bivens against the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, as there was no allegation of the Secretary's individual actions violating the Constitution.
Dismissal for Lack of Subject Matter Jurisdictionsubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The district court's dismissal for lack of subject matter jurisdiction was upheld, with no grounds found for judge disqualification.
Reasoning: The district court's dismissal for lack of subject matter jurisdiction does not warrant disqualification of the judge.
Forfeiture of Right to Amend Complaintsubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The appellant forfeited the right to amend the complaint on appeal by failing to seek leave to amend after the initial dismissal.
Reasoning: The appellant forfeited the right to amend the complaint on appeal by not seeking leave to amend after dismissal.
Jurisdiction to Transfer Casessubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The appellate court determined it lacked jurisdiction to transfer the case to the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation.
Reasoning: Additionally, this court lacks the jurisdiction to transfer the case to the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation.
Statute of Limitations under D.C. Code § 12-301subscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The claims against an unknown CIA agent were dismissed as they were filed beyond the permissible period defined by the statute of limitations.
Reasoning: Claims against an unknown CIA agent are barred by the statute of limitations outlined in D.C. Code § 12-301.