Randall Lee Stacel v. Chatham Jail, et al.

Summary

The United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia screened Randall Lee Stacel’s pro se civil rights action under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e). The court dismissed without prejudice the claims against Chatham Jail and Chatham, Virginia, because they are not persons subject to suit under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, while claims against Sgt. Worley and Officer Johnson remained.

Holdings

1. Chatham Jail and Chatham, Virginia, are not persons subject to suit under § 1983 and therefore cannot be defendants on the claims alleged.
2. The claims against Chatham Jail and Chatham, Virginia, were dismissed without prejudice for failure to state a claim under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B)(ii).

Questions Presented

1. Whether the court was required to screen the in forma pauperis complaint under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e).
2. Whether Chatham Jail and Chatham, Virginia, are persons subject to suit under 42 U.S.C. § 1983.
3. Whether the claims against Chatham Jail and Chatham, Virginia, should be dismissed for failure to state a claim.

Disposition

dismissed