The opinion
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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
FILED
DEBORAH D. FLETCHER )
) mm uDEC 4 2017
Plaintiff, ) Cou -S. Dlstrlct
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) the Dlstrlct of co,u:'tb'a
v. ) Civil Action No. 17-2283 (UNA)
)
EDIE SPROOL, )
)
Defendant. )
MEMORANDUM OPINION
This matter comes before the Court upon review of plaintiffs application for leave to
proceed in forma pauperis and pro se complaint. The application Will be granted but the
complaint Will be dismissed
The Court has reviewed plaintiff s complaint, keeping in mind that complaints filed by
pro se litigants are held to less stringent standards than those applied to formal pleadings drafted
by lawyers See Haines v. Kerner, 4()4 U.S. 5l9, 520 (l972). Even pro se litigants, however,
must comply With the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Jarrell v. Tisch, 656 F. Supp. 23 7, 239
(D.D.C. 1987). Rule 8(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure requires that a complaint
contain a short and plain statement of the grounds upon Which the Court’s jurisdiction depends, a
short and plain statement of the claim showing that the pleader is entitled to relief, and a demand
for judgment for the relief the pleader seeks. Fed. R. Civ. P. S(a). The purpose of the minimum
standard of Rule 8 is to give fair notice to the defendants of the claims being asserted, sufficient
to prepare a responsive answer, to prepare an adequate defense and to determine Whether the
doctrine of res judicata applies Brown v. Califano, 75 F.R.D. 497, 498 (D.D.C. 1977).
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Plaintiff purportedly brings “Assault, Libet [sic] & Slander” claims. Compl. at l.
Missing from the complaint, which appears to be grounded in tort law, are factual allegations
showing plaintiffs entitlement to relief and a statement regarding this Court’s federal
jurisdiction As drafted, plaintiff’ s complaint does not meet the minimal pleading requirements
set forth in Rule S(a). The Court will dismiss the complaint without prejudice.
An Order is issued separately.
/W/H?
United Sv¢[ltes District Judge
DATE: November 30 , 2017