Jackson v. Hill

Summary

The United States District Court for the Eastern District of California ordered plaintiff Tommie Lee Jackson to show cause why his action should not be dismissed for failure to prosecute and failure to comply with court orders. The court directed him to file an amended complaint and respond within twenty-one days, warning that failure to do so would result in a recommendation of dismissal.

Holdings

1. A federal court has inherent power to control its docket and may impose sanctions, including dismissal, when a party fails to prosecute an action, obey a court order, or comply with applicable local rules.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the court may dismiss an action, or recommend dismissal, based on a party's failure to prosecute, failure to obey a court order, or failure to comply with local rules.
2. Whether plaintiff should be required to show cause why the action should not be dismissed after failing to file the court-ordered amended complaint.

Disposition

other