Larry Mack v. Tracy Jackson, et al.

Summary

The United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama denies Larry Mack’s motion for appointment of counsel in his civil action. The court explains that civil litigants generally have no constitutional right to counsel and that appointment is reserved for exceptional circumstances, which Mack had not demonstrated. The court leaves open the possibility of reconsidering the issue if circumstances later warrant.

Holdings

1. A plaintiff in a civil case has no constitutional right to counsel.
2. Appointment of counsel is justified only by exceptional circumstances, such as when the facts and legal issues are so novel or complex that assistance from a trained practitioner is required; no such circumstances were shown here.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the court should appoint counsel for the plaintiff in this civil action.

Disposition

other