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Darrell Hochhalter v. Jonathan Skrmetti - Section 1983 Civil Rights Complaint Dismissed

The United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee dismissed a pro se inmate's Section 1983 civil rights complaint against the Tennessee Attorney General. Darrell Hochhalter, incarcerated at the Turney Center Industrial Complex, sought to vacate his criminal conviction by arguing that systemic judicial bias from Tennessee's judicial election process violated his due process and fair trial rights. The court held that explicit challenges to the validity of confinement are within the sole province of habeas corpus, not Section 1983. The plaintiff has previously pursued federal habeas relief without success and must obtain Sixth Circuit authorization before filing any further habeas petition.

Phillip L. Mitchell v. Almia Funches — Prisoner Civil Rights Complaint

The United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee granted pro se prisoner Phillip L. Mitchell's application to proceed in forma pauperis (IFP) in his civil rights complaint under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 against DCSO officers and administrators. The court assessed a $350 filing fee to be collected in installments from his inmate trust account pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(b). The court further ordered the facility warden to submit initial payments and continue deductions until the fee is paid in full. Initial review under the Prison Litigation Reform Act (PLRA) is ongoing.

Johnny Jackson Jr v. Warden Guy Bosh - Inmate IFP Granted; PLRA Screening Ordered

The United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee granted pro se inmate Johnny Jackson Jr.'s Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (IFP), assessed the full $350 civil filing fee under the Prisoner Litigation Reform Act (PLRA), and ordered payment through installments from his inmate trust fund account. The Court also directed PLRA screening of the complaint brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).