Margaret M. Morrow
CIVIL MINUTES - GENERAL
Present: The Honorable Margaret M. Morrow, U. S. District Judge Deputy Clerk: Anel Huerta
Court Reporter: N/A
Attorneys Present for Plaintiffs: None Appearing
Attorneys Present for Defendants: None Appearing Proceedings: (In Chambers) Order to Show Cause re Dismissal re Lack of Prosecution
Absent a showing of good cause, an action must be dismissed without prejudice if the summons and complaint are not served on a defendant within 120 days after the complaint is filed. Fed.R.Civ.Proc. 4(m). Generally, defendants must answer the complaint within 20 days after service (60 days if the defendant is the United States). Fed.R.Civ.Proc. 12(a)(1).
In the present case, it appears that one or more of these time periods has not been met. Accordingly, the court, on its own motion, orders plaintiff(s) to show cause in in writing on or before November 15, 2012 why this action should not be dismissed for lack of prosecution. Pursuant to Rule 78 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the court finds that this matter is appropriate for submission without oral argument. The Order To Show Cause will stand submitted upon the filing of plaintiff's response.
If plaintiff/defendant files: