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noting the general rule that "because personal jurisdiction may be conferred by consent of the parties . . . a court may not sua sponte dismiss for want of personal jurisdiction"
Summary of this case from Mark IV Transp. & Logistics v. Lightning Logistics, Inc.Opinion
No. 08-4036.
Submitted for Possible Dismissal Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B) or Summary Action Pursuant to Third Circuit LAR 27.4 and I.O.P. 10.6 April 2, 2009.
Opinion filed: June 11, 2009.
On Appeal from the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey (D.C. Civil No. 07-cv-03044), District Judge: Honorable Peter G. Sheridan.
Anthony Salvador Jasper, Orange, NJ, for Appellant.
Atty. Gen., NJ, Esq., Office of Attorney General of New Jersey, Trenton, NJ, for Bexar County Adult Detention Center; Sheriff Ralph Lopez; San Antonio City Managers Office; City of San Antonio Mayor's Office.
Before: RENDELL, HARDIMAN AND ALDISERT, Circuit Judges.
OPINION
Anthony Jasper, a litigant proceeding pro se, appeals an order of the District Court dismissing his case for lack of personal jurisdiction pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(2). We have jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1291, and we exercise plenary review over a district court's jurisdictional determinations. See Umland v. PLANCO Fin. Servs., 542 F.3d 59, 63 (3d Cir. 2008). We will vacate the District Court's Order of September 12, 2008, and remand for further proceedings.
I
In July 2007, Jasper filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, alleging that he was illegally incarcerated and subject to unsafe conditions and a substandard level of medical care during his incarceration. At the time he filed the complaint, Jasper was a resident of New Jersey. Jasper named as defendants the Bexar County Adult Detention Center, located in San Antonio, Texas; Ralph Lopez, Sheriff of San Antonio; the San Antonio City Manager's Office; and the City of San Antonio Mayor's Office. All defendants are residents of the State of Texas. No defendant filed an answer or motion, and no defense counsel entered an appearance.
Along with his complaint, Jasper filed a signed and notarized "Affadavit [sic] of Inability to Pay Costs," as well as a proposed "Order Granting Affadavit [sic] of Inability to Pay for Costs." Jasper paid no fees to the District Court. However, the Court never explicitly construed the affidavit as an application to proceed in forma pauperis and, notably, never formally granted Jasper in forma pauperis status.
In July 2008, the District Court dismissed the case for failure to prosecute. Jasper filed a motion to reopen the case, followed by three other motions which called for the; reopening of his case. In September 2008, the District Court granted Jasper's first motion to reopen and dismissed the case pursuant to Fed.R. 12(b)(2). Jasper filed a timely notice of appeal.
The three motions following Jasper's initial motion to reopen were titled an "amended motion for new trial," Doc. No. 7, a "second amended motion for new trial," Doc. No. 9, and a "motion to amend/correct," Doc. No. 10. The District Court construed all four of these filings as motions for relief from judgment pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 60(b).
II
In dismissing Jasper's case pursuant to Rule 12(b)(2), the District Court reasoned, sua sponte, that it cannot exercise personal jurisdiction over the defendants because they have not "purposefully avail[ed themselves] of the privilege of conducting activities within the forum State [of New Jersey], thus invoking the benefits and protections of its laws." Burger King Corp. v. Rudzewicz, 471 U.S. 462, 475, 105 S.Ct. 2174, 85 L.Ed.2d 528 (1985). However, "because personal jurisdiction may be conferred by consent of the parties . . . a court may not sua sponte dismiss for want of personal jurisdiction." Zelson v. Thomforde, 412 F.2d 56, 59 (3d Cir. 1969). This is true even if the litigant has in forma pauperis status. Cf. Sinwell v. Shapp, 536 F.2d 15, 19 (3d Cir. 1976) (holding that a district court may not sua sponte dismiss the complaint of a litigant proceeding in forma pauperis solely because of improper venue).
Accordingly, we will vacate the judgment of the District Court and remand the matter for further proceedings consistent with this Opinion.