Pickett v. Pierce

Summary

The United States District Court for the Eastern District of California orders Norman Charles Pickett to show cause why his action should not be dismissed. The order states that he failed to file an amended complaint by the extended deadline and warns that failure to respond within twenty-one days will result in a recommendation of dismissal for failure to prosecute, failure to comply with court orders, and failure to state a claim.

Holdings

1. A district 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 issue an order to show cause and potentially dismiss an action when the plaintiff fails to prosecute, fails to obey a court order, and fails to comply with local rules.
2. Whether plaintiff should be required to explain why the action should not be dismissed after failing to file an amended complaint by the court-ordered deadline.

Disposition

other