The opinion
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
WESTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS
HOT SPRINGS DIVISION
MICHAEL TYRONE JOSEPH JOYCE PLAINTIFF
v. Case No. 6:21-cv-06010
SHERIFF MIKE CASH, et al. DEFENDANTS
ORDER
Before the Court is Plaintiff Michael Tyrone Joseph Joyce’s failure to obey a Court order
and failure to prosecute this case. On January 21, 2021, Plaintiff, an inmate at the Hot Spring
County Jail in Malvern, Arkansas, filed this pro se civil rights action under 42 U.S.C. § 1983.
(ECF No. 1). That same day, Plaintiff was directed by the Court to return a completed in forma
pauperis (“IFP”) application, or pay the $402 filing fee, by February 11, 2021. (ECF No. 3).
Plaintiff was also directed to file an Amended Complaint by February 11, 2021. (ECF No.
3). The Court cautioned Plaintiff that this case shall be subject to dismissal if he fails to return the
Amended Complaint by the Court’s imposed deadline of February 11, 2021. Id. Additionally, the
Court advised Plaintiff that he is required to immediately inform the Court of any change of address
and that he shall have 30 days from the date of any transfer or release in which to notify the Court
of his new address. Id.
On February 4, 2021, mail addressed to Plaintiff at the Hot Spring County Jail was returned
as undeliverable to the Clerk of this Court. (ECF No. 5). As of the date of this Order, Plaintiff has
not filed an IFP application or an Amended Complaint as directed by the Court.
Although pro se pleadings are to be construed liberally, a pro se litigant is not excused
from complying with substantive and procedural law. Burgs v. Sissel, 745 F.2d 526, 528 (8th Cir.
1984). The Local Rules state:
It is the duty of any party not represented by counsel to promptly notify the Clerk
and the other parties to the proceedings of any change in his or her address, to
monitor the progress of the case, and to prosecute or defend the action diligently . .
. If any communication from the Court to a pro se plaintiff is not responded to
within thirty (30) days, the case may be dismissed without prejudice. Any party
proceeding pro se shall be expected to be familiar with and follow the Federal Rules
of Civil Procedure.
Local Rule 5.5(c)(2).
Additionally, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure specifically contemplate dismissal of a
case on the grounds that the plaintiff failed to prosecute or failed to comply with orders of the
court. Fed. R. Civ. P. 41(b); Link v. Wabash R.R. Co., 370 U.S. 626, 630-31 (1962) (stating the
district court possesses the power to dismiss sua sponte under Rule 41(b)). Pursuant to Rule 41(b),
a district court has the power to dismiss an action based on “the plaintiff’s failure to comply with
any court order.” Brown v. Frey, 806 F.2d 801, 803-04 (8th Cir. 1986) (emphasis added).
Plaintiff has failed to keep the Court informed of his address and failed to prosecute this
case. Therefore, Local Rule 5.5(c)(2), the Court finds that this case should be dismissed.
Accordingly, Plaintiff’s Complaint (ECF No. 1) is DISMISSED WITHOUT PREJUDICE.
IT IS SO ORDERED, this 16th day of March, 2021.
/s/ Susan O. Hickey
Susan O. Hickey
Chief United States District Judge