Ross v. United States

District Court, E.D. Texas

Ross v. United States

Trial Court Opinion

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS BEAUMONT DIVISION ROBERT ROSS § VS. § CIVIL ACTION NO. 1:21-cv-607 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA § REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE Plaintiff Robert Ross, a prisoner confined at the United States Penitentiary located in Beaumont, Texas, proceeding pro se, brings the above-styled lawsuit. The above-styled action was referred to the undersigned magistrate judge pursuant to

28 U.S.C. § 636

and the Local Rules for the Assignment of Duties to the United States Magistrate Judge for findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations for the disposition of the case. Discussion On July 26, 2024, plaintiff was ordered to submit an amended pleading that contains a more detailed factual discussion explaining his basis of recovery. The copy of the order mailed to plaintiff was returned to the court on August 20, 2024 as undeliverable. Plaintiff’s copy of the order was mailed to the last address he provided to the court. Plaintiff has failed to provide the court with his current address or information necessary to contact him. Fed. R. Civ. P. 41(b) authorizes the district court to dismiss an action for failure to prosecute or for failure to comply with any court order. Larson v. Scott,

157 F.3d 1030, 1031

(5th Cir. 1998). “This authority [under Rule 41(b)] flows from the court’s inherent power to control its docket and prevent undue delays in the disposition of pending cases.” Boudwin v. Graystone Ins. Co.,

756 F.2d 399, 401

(5th Cir. 1985) (citing Link v. Wabash, R.R. Co.,

370 U.S. 626, 629

(1962). The orderly and expeditious disposition of cases requires that if a litigant’s address changes, he has a duty to inform the court of the change. Further, Eastern District of Texas Local Rule CV-11(d) requires pro se litigants such as plaintiff to provide the court with a physical address and keep the clerk advised in writing of a current address. The exercise of the power to dismiss for failure to prosecute is committed to the sound discretion of the court. See Green v. Forney Eng’g Co.,

589 F.2d 243, 245

(5th Cir. 1979). By failing to provide the court with his current address, Plaintiff has failed to diligently prosecute this case. Accordingly, this case should be dismissed for want of prosecution pursuant to FED. R. CIv. P. 41(b). Recommendation The above-styled action should be dismissed without prejudice for want of prosecution. Objections Within fourteen days after being served with a copy of the magistrate judge’s report, any party may serve and file written objections to the findings of facts, conclusions of law and recommendations of the magistrate judge.

28 U.S.C. § 636

(b)(1)(C). Failure to file written objections to the proposed findings of facts, conclusions of law and recommendations contained within this report within fourteen days after service shall bar an aggrieved party from the entitlement of de novo review by the district court of the proposed findings, conclusions and recommendations and from appellate review of factual findings and legal conclusions accepted by the district court except on grounds of plain error. Douglass v. United Servs. Auto. Ass’n,

79 F.3d 1415, 1417

(Sth Cir. 1996) (en banc);

28 U.S.C. § 636

(b)(1); FED. R. Clv. P. 72.

SIGNED this the 22nd day of August, 2024.

CLS Christine L Stetson UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Reference

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