FILED
OCT. 12, 2021
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT Clerk, U.S. District & Bankruptcy
FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Court for the District of Columbia
SHAUN RUSHING, )
)
Plaintiff, )
)
v. ) Civil Action No. 21-01925 (UNA)
)
AMERICA, )
)
Defendant. )
MEMORANDUM OPINION
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, 404 U.S. 519, 520 (1972). Even pro se litigants, however, must
comply with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Jarrell v. Tisch, 656 F. Supp. 237, 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. 8(a). The purpose of the minimum standard of Rule
8 is to give fair notice to the defendants of the claims being asserted such that they can prepare a
responsive answer, prepare an adequate defense, and determine whether the doctrine of res
judicata applies. Brown v. Califano, 75 F.R.D. 497, 498 (D.D.C. 1977).
The Plaintiff alleges that he forwarded a complaint and lawsuit to then-President Donald
Trump, but that no rebuttal was offered. Compl. at 1. He says this is a violation of due process.
1
Id. As drafted, plaintiff’s pro se complaint fails to comply with the minimal pleading standard set
forth in Rule 8(a). There are far too few facts alleged to state a viable legal claim, and certainly
too few facts to show an entitlement to an award of $110 trillion. Therefore, the Court will dismiss
the complaint without prejudice and will grant the application to proceed in forma pauperis. An
Order consistent with this Memorandum Opinion is issued separately.
DATE: October 12, 2021 ______________________
CARL J. NICHOLS
United States District Judge
2