Michael Harris v. H and S Energy, LLC, et al.

Summary

The United States District Court for the Central District of California ordered the plaintiff to show cause why the court should exercise supplemental jurisdiction over claims under California's Unruh Civil Rights Act and other state laws. The court required information concerning the statutory damages sought and whether the plaintiff or counsel qualifies as a high-frequency litigant, with a response due August 4, 2025.

Holdings

1. The district court may raise and examine subject-matter jurisdiction sua sponte during the pendency of the action.
2. The court may decline to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over the Unruh Act and other state-law claims for reasons authorized by 28 U.S.C. § 1367(c), including concerns about federal-state comity.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the court should exercise supplemental jurisdiction over the Unruh Civil Rights Act claim and the other state-law claims.
2. Whether Plaintiff should be required to provide information concerning the amount of Unruh Act statutory damages sought and the potential high-frequency-litigant status of Plaintiff or Plaintiff's counsel.

Disposition

other