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Deas v. Ingham County Jail, 1:18-cv-00838. (2018)

Court: District Court, W.D. Michigan Number: infdco20190117925 Visitors: 8
Filed: Dec. 19, 2018
Latest Update: Dec. 19, 2018
Summary: REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION ELLEN S. CARMODY , Magistrate Judge . On October 12, 2018, the Clerk mailed a copy of the October 12, 2018 Case Management Order (ECF No. 9) to Plaintiff. The mailing was not deliverable because Plaintiff has not provided the Court with an updated address (ECF No. 10). For the reasons discussed below, the Court, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 636(b)(1)(B), Fed. R. Civ. P. 41(b), and W.D.Mich. LCivR. 41.1, recommends that the present action be dismissed for Plaintiff's
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REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION

On October 12, 2018, the Clerk mailed a copy of the October 12, 2018 Case Management Order (ECF No. 9) to Plaintiff. The mailing was not deliverable because Plaintiff has not provided the Court with an updated address (ECF No. 10).

For the reasons discussed below, the Court, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(B), Fed. R. Civ. P. 41(b), and W.D.Mich. LCivR. 41.1, recommends that the present action be dismissed for Plaintiff's failure to prosecute.

As the United States Supreme Court long ago recognized, "[t]he authority of a federal trial court to dismiss a plaintiff's action with prejudice because of his failure to prosecute cannot seriously be doubted." Link v. Wabash Railroad Co., 370 U.S. 626, 629 (1962). This authority Ais necessary in order to prevent undue delays in the disposition of pending cases and to avoid congestion in the calendars of the District Courts." Id. at 629-30. Failure by a plaintiff to prosecute constitutes grounds to dismiss the complaint, or any particular claims therein. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 41(b).

When examining whether dismissal for failure to prosecute is appropriate, the Court must consider the following factors: (1) whether the party's failure to cooperate is due to willfulness, bad faith, or fault; (2) whether the adversary is prejudiced by the party's dilatory conduct; (3) whether the dismissed party was warned that failure to cooperate could lead to dismissal; and (4) whether less drastic sanctions were imposed or considered. See Tetro v. Elliott Popham Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick, and GMC Trucks, Inc., 173 F.3d 988, 992 (6th Cir. 1999).

Consideration of these factors leads the Court to recommend that Plaintiff's claims be dismissed. Local Rule of Civil Procedure 41.1 provides that "[f]ailure of a plaintiff to keep the Court apprised of a current address shall be grounds for dismissal for want of prosecution." As mentioned above, mail addressed to Plaintiff has been returned because Plaintiff has not provided the Court will his correct mailing address. This is a willful failure by Plaintiff which prejudices Defendants' ability to defend against Plaintiff's claims. While Plaintiff has not previously been warned by the Court that dismissal of his claims might result from his refusal to comply with the aforementioned rule, this Recommendation will serve as such a warning and affords Plaintiff an opportunity to contest the recommendation that dismissal is appropriate.

CONCLUSION

For the reasons articulated herein, the Court recommends that this action be dismissed with prejudice for Plaintiff's failure to prosecute. Timely objections to this Report and Recommendation shall be considered plaintiff's opportunity to show cause why this matter should not be dismissed.

OBJECTIONS to this Report and Recommendation must be filed with the Clerk of Court within fourteen (14) days of the date of service of this notice. 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(C). Failure to file objections within the specified time waives the right to appeal the District Court's order. See Thomas v. Arn, 474 U.S. 140 (1985); United States v. Walters, 638 F.2d 947 (6th Cir.1981).

Source:  Leagle

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