What is the test for a motion alleging that a decision by the Department of Justice has frustrated an inmate's litigation?

MultiRegion, United States of America

The following excerpt is from Hafer v. Unknown, Case No.: 1:20-cv-01426-NONE-JLT (E.D. Cal. 2020):

In addition to demonstrating official acts frustrating the inmate's litigation, where a prisoner asserts a backward-looking denial of access claim, he must show the loss of a "nonfrivolous" or "arguable" underlying claim. See Christopher v. Harbury, 536 U.S. 403, 413-414 (2002). The underlying claim must be set forth in the pleading claiming a denial of access to the courts "as if it were being independently pursued." Id. at 417. Finally, the plaintiff must specifically allege the "remedy that may be awarded as recompense but not otherwise available in some suit that may yet be brought." Id. at 415.

To establish the first element, the inmate must show he suffered an "actual injury." Lewis, 518 U.S. at 348. An "actual injury" is "actual prejudice with respect to contemplated or existing litigation, such as the inability to meet a filing deadline or to present a claim." Id. The failure to demonstrate an actual injury is jurisdictional. Alvarez v. Hill, 518 F.3d 1152, 1155 (9th Cir. 2008) ("Failure to show that a 'nonfrivolous legal claim had been frustrated' is fatal").

Other Questions


For the purposes of denying a motion for judicial review of a decision by the Board of Arbitration for Justice denying an application to review the denial of the motion, in what circumstances will the motion be reviewed? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What is the test for dismissing a motion to dismiss a petition brought by the Department of Justice against the US Department of Health and Social Security? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What is the timing of a motion for attorney's fees and costs in the wake of the Court of Appeal's decision of appeal against the Supreme Court of Justice's decision to dismiss the appeal? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
If a motion is brought before the Superior Court of Justice in the absence of a motion before the Court of Appeal, and the motion has been adjourned for a second time, is there an instance where this court should take jurisdiction? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Does the federal court have jurisdiction to hear a motion in a motion brought by defendants in a civil case brought by the Department of Justice against the Attorney General? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What is the test for setting aside a decision by the Department of Justice to review an administrative decision? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Can a court refuse to entertain a motion on a motion that alleges that the motionant was unaware of the relevant facts at the time it was brought? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What is the test for dismissing a motion to amend or dismiss a motion alleging that the motion contains defects that can be cured by amendment? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What is the test for alleging that solitary confinement was improperly imposed on an inmate by the Department of Justice? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What is the test for a motion to stay a motion by the Department of Homeland Security to stay the motion? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.