Hunter v. Angela

• Court: District Court, District of Columbia
• Decided: April 27, 2016
• Docket: Civil Action No. 2016-0785
• Status: Published

Opinion

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

JAS`ON '1`. HUNTER, ) ) Pla.intiff, ) ) Case: ‘l;‘l 6-cv-00785 V_ ) Assigned To : Unassigned ) Assign_ Date : 4!27/2016 IUDGE ANGELA COWDEN, et al_, ) Description: Pro Se Gen. Civ. - ) Defendants. ) MEMORANDUM OPINION

This matter is before the Court on plaintiffs application to proceed in forma pauperis and his pro se civil complaint. The application will be granted, and the complaint will be dismissed

without prejudice.

It appears that a Florida court has ordered plaintiff to pay child support for his minor son, notwithstanding his status as a non-custodial parent, see generally Compl. at 3-5 (page numbers designated by the Court), who has "no visitation right[s], decision making authority, or any rights . . . as the natural and biological father,” z`d. at 6. He brings this action for "the restoration of [his`] reputation, parental rights, [and] relief from any arrears . . . ordered by the judge and/or enforced by the Florida Departrnent of Revenue (Child Support Enforcement Division),’j’ among

other relief Ia'.

F ederal district courts have jurisdiction civil actions arising under the Constitution, laws or treaties of the United States. See 28 U.S.C. § 1331. In addition, federal district courts have jurisdiction over civil actions where the matter in controversy exceeds $75,0’00, and the suit is between citizens of different states. See 28 U.S.C. § l332(a). The complaint does not

articulate a claim arising under the United States Constitution or federal law. And even though

plaintiff demands damages in excess of $75,000, because all the parties appear to reside and

conduct business in Florida, plaintiff does not demonstrate diversity of citizenship

Accordingly, the complaint will be dismissed for lack of subject matter jurisdiction An

Order consistent with this Memorandum Opinion is issued separately.