In Re: James Blakely

UNPUBLISHED UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FOURTH CIRCUIT No. 11-1529 In Re: JAMES G. BLAKELY, a/k/a Jimmy G. Blakely, Petitioner. On Petition for Writ of Mandamus. (4:10-cv-03280-MBS) Submitted: August 24, 2011 Decided: September 13, 2011 Before DUNCAN, AGEE, and DAVIS, Circuit Judges. Petition denied by unpublished per curiam opinion. James G. Blakely, Petitioner Pro Se. Unpublished opinions are not binding precedent in this circuit. PER CURIAM: James G. Blakely petitions for a writ of mandamus seeking an order compelling the district court to provide him with copies of documents filed in his prior 28 U.S.C. § 2254 (2006) proceedings. We conclude that Blakely is not entitled to mandamus relief. Mandamus relief is a drastic remedy and should be used only in extraordinary circumstances. Kerr v. United States Dist. Court, 426 U.S. 394, 402 (1976); United States v. Moussaoui, 333 F.3d 509, 516-17 (4th Cir. 2003). Further, mandamus relief is available only when the petitioner “has a clear and indisputable right to the relief sought.” In re Braxton, 258 F.3d 250, 261 (4th Cir. 2001). Blakely has failed to demonstrate a clear and indisputable right to the relief sought. Accordingly, although we grant leave to proceed in forma pauperis, we deny the petition for writ of mandamus. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before the court and argument would not aid the decisional process. PETITION DENIED 2