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Stein v. Chemical Bank

Citations: 915 F. Supp. 1162; 1994 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 20905; 1994 WL 876496Docket: No. CIV-94-1341-C

Court: District Court, W.D. Oklahoma; August 25, 1994; Federal District Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

The Court dismisses the pro se plaintiff's complaint against the defendant bank, finding it frivolous and lacking merit. The plaintiff, a resident of the Western District of Oklahoma, alleges mishandling of a check by a bank located in New York. However, the complaint does not establish personal jurisdiction over the defendant nor provide factual allegations to support a claim cognizable in federal court. The Court emphasizes that, despite the requirement to liberally construe pro se complaints, it cannot assume facts to support jurisdiction or a valid cause of action. The complaint fails to meet the pleading standards set by Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (Fed. R. Civ. P. 8), which necessitate a clear statement of jurisdiction, claim, and demand for judgment. Consequently, the complaint is dismissed under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a). The Clerk is instructed to send a copy of the dismissal order to the defendant at the address provided by the plaintiff.

Legal Issues Addressed

Dismissal under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a)

Application: The complaint was dismissed as frivolous and lacking merit according to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a), which governs cases filed in forma pauperis.

Reasoning: Consequently, the complaint is dismissed under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a).

Personal Jurisdiction Requirement

Application: The case was dismissed because the complaint did not establish personal jurisdiction over the defendant bank located in New York.

Reasoning: The plaintiff, a resident of the Western District of Oklahoma, alleges mishandling of a check by a bank located in New York. However, the complaint does not establish personal jurisdiction over the defendant.

Pleading Standards under Federal Rules of Civil Procedure

Application: The complaint was dismissed for failing to meet the pleading standards required by Fed. R. Civ. P. 8, which demands a clear statement of jurisdiction, claim, and demand for judgment.

Reasoning: The complaint fails to meet the pleading standards set by Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (Fed. R. Civ. P. 8), which necessitate a clear statement of jurisdiction, claim, and demand for judgment.

Pro Se Litigant Considerations

Application: The court acknowledges the obligation to liberally construe pro se complaints but cannot create facts to establish jurisdiction or a valid cause of action.

Reasoning: The Court emphasizes that, despite the requirement to liberally construe pro se complaints, it cannot assume facts to support jurisdiction or a valid cause of action.