Summary
The United States District Court for the District of New Jersey dismissed Shawn Woodward’s pro se prisoner civil rights action without prejudice after legal mail was returned as undeliverable. The court relied on Local Civil Rule 10.1(a) and allowed the plaintiff 30 days to seek reopening by showing good cause for failing to update his address.
Court
United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, Camden Vicinage
Jurisdiction
United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, Camden Vicinage
Decision date
February 4, 2026
Docket number
Civ. No. 23-450 (RMB)(SAK)
Disposition
dismissed
Questions Presented
- Whether the Court could dismiss the action without prejudice under Local Civil Rule 10.1(a) after the plaintiff failed to advise the Court of a change of address and his legal mail was returned as undeliverable.
- Whether the plaintiff should be permitted to seek reopening upon a timely showing of good cause for the failure to update his address.
Holdings
- Dismissal without prejudice was an appropriate remedy for the plaintiff's noncompliance with Local Civil Rule 10.1(a) after his legal mail was returned as undeliverable.
- The plaintiff may seek to reopen the action if, within 30 days after entry of the order, he submits a writing showing good cause for failing to timely notify the Court of his new address.
Court Document
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