Reported / Citable
Background
Kedrien Booker, proceeding pro se, was formerly confined at the Lewis Unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. He filed a civil rights action under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 against Joseph Griggs and others. The district court referred the matter to United States Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn for consideration pursuant to applicable law and court order.
The Court’s Holding
The district court adopted the magistrate judge’s report and recommendation to dismiss the action without prejudice. No objections to the report were filed by any party. The court found the magistrate judge’s findings of fact and conclusions of law to be correct and issued a final judgment in accordance with the recommendation.
Key Takeaways
- Dismissal was granted without prejudice, preserving Booker’s right to refile.
- The procedural posture involved a magistrate judge’s report and recommendation with no contested objections.
- The order reflects a § 1983 civil rights matter brought by an inmate proceeding pro se.
Why It Matters
This order illustrates the procedural framework for handling pro se prisoner litigation in federal court. When referred to a magistrate judge, the district judge reviews the report and recommendation, and absent objections, typically adopts the magistrate’s analysis—a common disposition path for such matters.