Steven Smith v. Chief Golden et al.

Summary

The United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts denies several motions filed by pro se inmate Steven Smith, including motions seeking reconsideration, sanctions, default, and summary judgment. The court concludes that Smith failed to serve Attorney Ryan Matthews within the applicable deadline and orders Smith to show cause why his claims against Matthews should not be dismissed under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4(m).

Holdings

1. Smith's motions seeking additional documents and argument, monetary sanctions, entry of default, and summary judgment against Attorney Matthews were denied because the record contained no proof that Smith had served Matthews.
2. The motions construed as requests for reconsideration were denied because Smith's arguments did not justify revisiting the prior ruling that judicial immunity shielded the named state-court judges from his claims.
3. Smith was ordered to show cause by June 23, 2026, why his claims against Attorney Matthews should not be dismissed under Rule 4(m) for failure to timely serve him.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Smith's motions seeking additional filings, sanctions, entry of default, or summary judgment against Attorney Matthews could be granted when Smith had not shown that Matthews was served.
2. Whether Smith's motions for reconsideration of the prior dismissal of claims against state-court judges should be granted.
3. Whether Smith should be ordered to show cause why his claims against Matthews should not be dismissed for failure to timely serve him under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4(m).

Disposition

other