Finch v. Catholic Charities

FILED

DEC 1 5 2011
UNITED STATES DISTRICT CoURT CC'€"<» ;1~3~ D*Sf"'cf,& Bankruvrcy
FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ourts or the Dlstnct of Co|umbla
SHAWN MARTIN FINCH,
Plaintiff, :
v. Civil Action No.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES,
Defendant.

MEMORANDUM OPINION

This matter is before the Court on plaintiff s application to proceed in forma pauperis on
a pro se complaint. The Court will grant the application, and will dismiss this action.

Plaintiff alleges that he was assaulted by two special officers employed at a facility
operated by Catholic Charities in Washington, D.C.

Federal district courts have jurisdiction in civil actions arising under the Constitution,
laws or treaties of the United States. See 28 U.S.C. § 133 l. In addition, federal district courts
have jurisdiction over civil actions where the matter in controversy exceeds $75,000, and the suit
is between citizens of different States. See 28 U.S.C. § l332(a). Although plaintiff purports to
assert rights protected under the First, Eighth, and Ninth Amendments to the United States
Constitution, none appears to apply to the incident described in the complaint. Even if the
complaint were amended to include a demand for damages in excess of $75,000, plaintiff does

not establish diversity of citizenship. Accordingly, the Court will dismiss the complaint for lack

of subject matter jurisdiction. An Order is issued a
DATE;

United States District Judge