Patterson v. McKee

IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FIFTH CIRCUIT No. 97-41477 Conference Calendar JAMES EDWARD PATTERSON, Plaintiff-Appellant, versus HARRY W. MCKEE; D.H. CARTER; JOHN DOES, 1-300,* Defendants-Appellees. - - - - - - - - - - Appeal from the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas USDC No. 6:96-CV-506 - - - - - - - - - - February 9, 1999 Before BARKSDALE, and EMILIO M. GARZA, Circuit Judges.* PER CURIAM:** Patterson has filed an application for leave to proceed in forma pauperis (IFP) on appeal, following the district court’s certification that an appeal would be frivolous. Patterson has failed to challenge specifically the district court’s finding that his appeal was not taken in good faith and was legally frivolous. Although this court liberally construes pro se * This matter is being decided by a quorum. 28 U.S.C. § 46(d). ** Pursuant to 5TH CIR. R. 47.5, the court has determined that this opinion should not be published and is not precedent except under the limited circumstances set forth in 5TH CIR. R. 47.5.4. No. 97-41477 -2- briefs, see Haines v. Kerner, 404 U.S. 519, 520-21 (1972), the court requires arguments to be briefed in order to be preserved. Yohey v. Collins, 985 F.2d 222, 225 (5th Cir. 1993). Because Patterson has failed to address the only appealable issue, the district court’s certification of the appeal as frivolous, he has abandoned the issue on appeal. See id. Patterson’s request for IFP status is DENIED, and his appeal is DISMISSED as frivolous. See 5TH CIR. R. 42.2; Baugh v. Taylor, 117 F.3d 197, 202 n.24 (5th Cir. 1997). Patterson is cautioned that future frivolous appeals filed by him or on his behalf will invite the imposition of sanctions. He is cautioned further to review any pending appeals to ensure that they do not raise arguments that are frivolous. IFP DENIED; APPEAL DISMISSED; SANCTIONS WARNING ISSUED.