DAVID BENNETT, No. 2:24-cv-1038-KJM-SCR Plaintiff, v. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS INVESTIGATION, et al., Defendants. Plaintiff is in Yolo County pretrial custody and filed this civil rights action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983. He proceeds pro se. Currently pending before the court are plaintiff’s motions for a preliminary injunction as well as the appointment of a guardian ad litem (“GAL”). ECF Nos. 10, 12, 14. In a concurrently issued order, the undersigned screened plaintiff’s complaint, concluded that it did not state a claim for relief against any defendant, and granted plaintiff leave to file an amended complaint. The undersigned here recommends that Plaintiff’s motions for a preliminary injunction and appointment of a GAL be denied. I. Motion for a Preliminary Injunction A. Plaintiff’s Motion In a motion docketed on June 25, 2024, plaintiff asserts that he is “under attack by Google contractors, the FBI and MRB California Enterprise by eavesdropping” on what he reads and writes, all in order to deter this lawsuit. ECF No. 10 at 2. B. Legal Standards “The proper legal standard for preliminary injunctive relief requires a party to demonstrate ‘that he is likely to succeed on the merits, that he is likely to suffer irreparable harm in the absence of preliminary relief, that the balance of equities tips in his favor, and that an injunction is in the public interest.’” Stormans, Inc. v. Selecky, 586 F.3d 1109, 1127 (9th Cir. 2009) (citing Winter v. Natural Res. Def. Council, Inc., 555 U.S. 7, 22 (2008) (internal quotations omitted). A party may also obtain a preliminary injunction under a “sliding scale” approach by showing [1] a likelihood of irreparable harm, [2] that an injunction is in the public interest, and—on a “sliding scale”—“‘serious questions going to the merits’ and a hardship balance that tips sharply towards the plaintiff[.]” Alliance for Wild Rockies v. Cottrell, 632 F.3d 1127, 1131-32 (9th Cir. 2011) (explaining that the sliding scale approach has allowed a stronger showing of one element to offset a weaker showing of another element). Additionally, in cases brought by prisoners involving conditions of confinement, any preliminary injunction “must be narrowly drawn, extend no further than necessary to correct the harm the court finds requires preliminary relief, and be the least intrusive means necessary to correct the harm.” 18 U.S.C. § 3626(a)(2). C. Analysis A preliminary injunction is not warranted at this juncture because plaintiff fails to demonstrate that either he is likely to succeed on the merits of his claims or serious questions going to the merits. A motion for a preliminary injunction must be supported by “[e]vidence that goes beyond the unverified allegations of the pleadings.” Fidelity Nat. Title Ins. Co. v. Castle, 2011 WL 5882878, *3 (N.D. Cal. Nov. 23, 2011) (citing 9 Wright & Miller, Federal Practice & Procedure § 2949 (2011)). Plaintiff, as the moving party, bears the burden of establishing the merits of his claims. See Winter, 555 U.S. at 20. By separate order entered this same date, the undersigned screened plaintiff’s complaint and concluded that it did not state a claim for relief against any defendant. As a result, plaintiff was granted leave to file an amended complaint. Given the failure of his complaint to state a valid claim for relief, plaintiff has not shown a likelihood of success on the merits to be entitled to a preliminary injunction. Additionally, plaintiff offers no argument or evidence concerning the balance of equities, or public interest, and offers only vague and outlandish statements about the alleged harm he faces based on his complaints about eavesdropping. For all these reasons, the undersigned recommends denying plaintiff’s motion for a preliminary injunction. II. Motions for a Guardian ad Litem A. Plaintiff’s Motion In a single page motion, plaintiff recounts the difficulties that he has faced in convincing state officials to complete the in forma pauperis application. ECF No. 12. He requests the appointment of a GAL because he was declared incompetent to stand trial in his pending state criminal proceeding. ECF No. 12. On October 29, 2024, plaintiff filed another motion for appointment of a GAL indicating that his competency has still not been restored.1 ECF No. 14. B. Additional Information Relevant to Plaintiff’s Motion for a GAL The court has reviewed plaintiff’s mental health records as well as the Yolo County Superior Court docket in People v. Bennett, CR2023-0488 (Yolo County Superior Court).2 The Yolo County Superior Court docket indicates plaintiff has now been found competent to stand trial.3 C. Legal Standards In a civil case, determinations of competency are governed by Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 17. Allen v. Calderon, 408 F.3d 1150, 1153 (9th Cir. 2005). Rule 17(c) states that “[t]he court must appoint a guardian ad litem-or issue another appropriate order-to protect a minor or incompetent person who is unrepresented in an action.” The Ninth Circuit has held a party “is entitled to a Rule 17 competency determination when substantial evidence of incompetence is presented.” Allen, 408 F.3d at 1153. The decision whether to appoint a 1 Plaintiff’s mental health records from the Monroe Detention Center were directed to be filed in this case in order to assist the court in resolving these pending motions for a guardian ad litem. See ECF No. 16. 2 The court may take judicial notice of state court dockets including those that are available on the internet. See Porter v. Ollison, 620 F.3d 952, 954-55 (9th Cir. 2010). 3 See Yolo County Superior Court Minute Order (May 21, 2025), available at https://tinyurl.com/m4xknayp. guardian ad litem is “left to the sound discretion the trial court.” Davis v. Walker, 745 F.3d 1303, 1310 (9th Cir. 2014). Although the procedure for determining competency is determined by federal law, the substantive standard for competency is derived from state law. See In re County of Orange, 784 F.3d 520, 523-24 (9th Cir. 2015); Fed. R. Civ. P. 17(b)(1). Under California law, a party is incompetent “if he or she lacks the capacity to understand the nature or consequences of the proceeding, or is unable to assist counsel in the preparation of the case.” Golden Gate Way, LLC v. Stewart, Case No. 09-cv-04458 DMR, 2012 WL 4482053, at *2 (N.D. Cal. Sept. 28, 2012) (citing In re Jessica G., 93 Cal. App. 4th 1180, 1186 (2001)). Given that Plaintiff is proceeding pro se, the question before this court is whether there is substantial evidence that plaintiff is unable to understand the nature and consequences of these proceedings and is unable to adequately litigate them on his own. D. Analysis After reviewing plaintiff’s mental health records as well as the Yolo County Superior Court docket in People v. Bennett, CR2023-0488 (Yolo County Superior Court), the undersigned concludes that there is not a substantial question of plaintiff's current competence that would require the appointment of a GAL. Plaintiff requests a GAL in order to complete h
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DAVID BENNETT, No. 2:24-cv-1038-KJM-SCR Plaintiff, v. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS INVESTIGATION, et al., Defendants. Plaintiff is in Yolo County pretrial custody and filed this civil rights action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983. He proceeds pro se. Currently pending before the court are plaintiff’s motions for a preliminary injunction as well as the appointment of a guardian ad litem (“GAL”). ECF Nos. 10, 12, 14. In a concurrently issued order, the undersigned screened plaintiff’s complaint, concluded that it did not state a claim for relief against any defendant, and granted plaintiff leave to file an amended complaint. The undersigned here recommends that Plaintiff’s motions for a preliminary injunction and appointment of a GAL be denied. I. Motion for a Preliminary Injunction A. Plaintiff’s Motion In a motion docketed on June 25, 2024, plaintiff asserts that he is “under attack by Google contractors, the FBI and MRB California Enterprise by eavesdropping” on what he reads and writes, all in order to deter this lawsuit. ECF No. 10 at 2. B. Legal Standards “The proper legal standard for preliminary injunctive relief requires a party to demonstrate ‘that he is likely to succeed on the merits, that he is likely to suffer irreparable harm in the absence of preliminary relief, that the balance of equities tips in his favor, and that an injunction is in the public interest.’” Stormans, Inc. v. Selecky, 586 F.3d 1109, 1127 (9th Cir. 2009) (citing Winter v. Natural Res. Def. Council, Inc., 555 U.S. 7, 22 (2008) (internal quotations omitted). A party may also obtain a preliminary injunction under a “sliding scale” approach by showing [1] a likelihood of irreparable harm, [2] that an injunction is in the public interest, and—on a “sliding scale”—“‘serious questions going to the merits’ and a hardship balance that tips sharply towards the plaintiff[.]” Alliance for Wild Rockies v. Cottrell, 632 F.3d 1127, 1131-32 (9th Cir. 2011) (explaining that the sliding scale approach has allowed a stronger showing of one element to offset a weaker showing of another element). Additionally, in cases brought by prisoners involving conditions of confinement, any preliminary injunction “must be narrowly drawn, extend no further than necessary to correct the harm the court finds requires preliminary relief, and be the least intrusive means necessary to correct the harm.” 18 U.S.C. § 3626(a)(2). C. Analysis A preliminary injunction is not warranted at this juncture because plaintiff fails to demonstrate that either he is likely to succeed on the merits of his claims or serious questions going to the merits. A motion for a preliminary injunction must be supported by “[e]vidence that goes beyond the unverified allegations of the pleadings.” Fidelity Nat. Title Ins. Co. v. Castle, 2011 WL 5882878, *3 (N.D. Cal. Nov. 23, 2011) (citing 9 Wright & Miller, Federal Practice & Procedure § 2949 (2011)). Plaintiff, as the moving party, bears the burden of establishing the merits of his claims. See Winter, 555 U.S. at 20. By separate order entered this same date, the undersigned screened plaintiff’s complaint and concluded that it did not state a claim for relief against any defendant. As a result, plaintiff was granted leave to file an amended complaint. Given the failure of his complaint to state a valid claim for relief, plaintiff has not shown a likelihood of success on the merits to be entitled to a preliminary injunction. Additionally, plaintiff offers no argument or evidence concerning the balance of equities, or public interest, and offers only vague and outlandish statements about the alleged harm he faces based on his complaints about eavesdropping. For all these reasons, the undersigned recommends denying plaintiff’s motion for a preliminary injunction. II. Motions for a Guardian ad Litem A. Plaintiff’s Motion In a single page motion, plaintiff recounts the difficulties that he has faced in convincing state officials to complete the in forma pauperis application. ECF No. 12. He requests the appointment of a GAL because he was declared incompetent to stand trial in his pending state criminal proceeding. ECF No. 12. On October 29, 2024, plaintiff filed another motion for appointment of a GAL indicating that his competency has still not been restored.1 ECF No. 14. B. Additional Information Relevant to Plaintiff’s Motion for a GAL The court has reviewed plaintiff’s mental health records as well as the Yolo County Superior Court docket in People v. Bennett, CR2023-0488 (Yolo County Superior Court).2 The Yolo County Superior Court docket indicates plaintiff has now been found competent to stand trial.3 C. Legal Standards In a civil case, determinations of competency are governed by Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 17. Allen v. Calderon, 408 F.3d 1150, 1153 (9th Cir. 2005). Rule 17(c) states that “[t]he court must appoint a guardian ad litem-or issue another appropriate order-to protect a minor or incompetent person who is unrepresented in an action.” The Ninth Circuit has held a party “is entitled to a Rule 17 competency determination when substantial evidence of incompetence is presented.” Allen, 408 F.3d at 1153. The decision whether to appoint a 1 Plaintiff’s mental health records from the Monroe Detention Center were directed to be filed in this case in order to assist the court in resolving these pending motions for a guardian ad litem. See ECF No. 16. 2 The court may take judicial notice of state court dockets including those that are available on the internet. See Porter v. Ollison, 620 F.3d 952, 954-55 (9th Cir. 2010). 3 See Yolo County Superior Court Minute Order (May 21, 2025), available at https://tinyurl.com/m4xknayp. guardian ad litem is “left to the sound discretion the trial court.” Davis v. Walker, 745 F.3d 1303, 1310 (9th Cir. 2014). Although the procedure for determining competency is determined by federal law, the substantive standard for competency is derived from state law. See In re County of Orange, 784 F.3d 520, 523-24 (9th Cir. 2015); Fed. R. Civ. P. 17(b)(1). Under California law, a party is incompetent “if he or she lacks the capacity to understand the nature or consequences of the proceeding, or is unable to assist counsel in the preparation of the case.” Golden Gate Way, LLC v. Stewart, Case No. 09-cv-04458 DMR, 2012 WL 4482053, at *2 (N.D. Cal. Sept. 28, 2012) (citing In re Jessica G., 93 Cal. App. 4th 1180, 1186 (2001)). Given that Plaintiff is proceeding pro se, the question before this court is whether there is substantial evidence that plaintiff is unable to understand the nature and consequences of these proceedings and is unable to adequately litigate them on his own. D. Analysis After reviewing plaintiff’s mental health records as well as the Yolo County Superior Court docket in People v. Bennett, CR2023-0488 (Yolo County Superior Court), the undersigned concludes that there is not a substantial question of plaintiff's current competence that would require the appointment of a GAL. Plaintiff requests a GAL in order to complete his IFP form and based upon the state trial court’s determination that he was incompetent to proceed to trial. However, plaintiff successfully completed his IFP application in this court. The Yolo County Superior Court deemed Plaintiff competent to stand trial on May 21, 2025.4 As a result, the cited bases to appoint a GAL are now moot. Based on the present record, the undersigned finds that there is not a substantial question regarding plaintiff's competence to warrant appointing him a guardian ad litem. His motions to appoint a guard ad litem should be denied. III. Conclusion Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY RECOMMENDED that: 1. Plaintiff’s motion for a preliminary injunction (ECF Nos. 10) be denied. 2. Plaintiff’s motions to appoint a guardian ad litem (ECF No. 12, 14) be denied. 4 See Yolo County Superior Court Minute Order (May 21, 2025), available at https://tinyurl.com/m4xknayp. ] These findings and recommendations are submitted to the United States District Judge assigned to the case, pursuant to the provisions of 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1). Within twenty one days after being served with these findings and recommendations, any party may file written objections with the court and serve a copy on all parties. Such a document should be captioned “Objections to Magistrate Judge’s Findings and Recommendations.” Any response to the objections shall be filed and served within fourteen days after service of the objections. The parties are advised that failure to file objections within the specified time may waive the right to appeal the District Court’s order. Martinez v. Ylst, 951 F.2d 1153 (9th Cir. 1991). DATED: June 3, 2025 1] )
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE