(PC) Washington v. Sexton

Opinion

JAMIEN WASHINGTON, Case No. 1:18-cv-0513-DAD-JLT (PC)

Plaintiff, ORDER DENYING PLAINTIFF’S MOTIONS TO APPOINT COUNSEL v. (Docs. 36, 46) M. SEXTON, et al., Defendants. Plaintiff has requested the appointment of counsel. However, district courts lack authority to require counsel to represent indigent prisoners in § 1983 cases. Mallard v. United States Dist. Court, 490 U.S. 296, 298 (1989). Only in exceptional circumstances may the court request the voluntary assistance of counsel for appointment. Terrell v. Brewer, 935 F.2d 1015, 1017 (9th Cir. 1991); Wood v. Housewright, 900 F.2d 1332, 1335-36 (9th Cir. 1990). The court does not find the required exceptional circumstances to justify appointment in this case. The Court DENIES Plaintiff’s motions to appoint counsel (Docs. 36, 46). IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: September 14, 2020 /s/ Jennifer L. Thurston UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE