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Johnson v. Belleque

Citation: 350 F. App'x 187Docket: No. 08-35686

Court: Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; October 30, 2009; Federal Appellate Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

Martin Allen Johnson, an Oregon state prisoner, appeals the dismissal of his 42 U.S.C. § 1983 action by the district court, which was based on a failure to state a claim as per 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2). The court has jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1291 and reviews the case de novo. The dismissal was affirmed because Johnson did not address the deficiencies in his complaint despite receiving two opportunities to amend and specific guidance on compliance with Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 8, which requires a "short and plain statement" of jurisdiction and claims for relief. The court concluded that dismissal was warranted after considering less drastic alternatives. Johnson's motion to supplement the record was denied as moot. The ruling is not intended for publication and does not serve as precedent except under specific circuit rules.

Legal Issues Addressed

Consideration of Less Drastic Alternatives Before Dismissal

Application: The court considered less drastic alternatives before dismissing the case, concluding that dismissal was appropriate.

Reasoning: The court concluded that dismissal was warranted after considering less drastic alternatives.

Denial of Motion to Supplement the Record as Moot

Application: The plaintiff's motion to supplement the record was denied because the court's decision to dismiss rendered the motion irrelevant.

Reasoning: Johnson's motion to supplement the record was denied as moot.

De Novo Review by Appellate Court

Application: The appellate court reviewed the district court's dismissal de novo, affirming the decision upon finding no reversible error.

Reasoning: The court has jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1291 and reviews the case de novo.

Dismissal for Failure to State a Claim under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)

Application: The court dismissed the plaintiff's action because he failed to state a claim upon which relief can be granted, even after multiple opportunities to amend the complaint.

Reasoning: The dismissal was affirmed because Johnson did not address the deficiencies in his complaint despite receiving two opportunities to amend and specific guidance on compliance with Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 8, which requires a 'short and plain statement' of jurisdiction and claims for relief.

Requirement of a Short and Plain Statement under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 8

Application: The court required the plaintiff to comply with Rule 8, mandating a concise statement of jurisdiction and claims, which the plaintiff failed to provide.

Reasoning: Johnson did not address the deficiencies in his complaint despite receiving two opportunities to amend and specific guidance on compliance with Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 8, which requires a 'short and plain statement' of jurisdiction and claims for relief.