959 F. 2d 240 - Kinkade v. Goldsmith

Before HUG and PREGERSON, Circuit Judges, and PECKHAM,** District Judge.

MEMORANDUM***

Cecil Kinkade, an inmate of the Arizona State Prison system, brought a claim in forma pauperis before the federal district court in Arizona. Kinkade alleged violations of his civil rights by certain officers of the prison in which he is incarcerated. The district court dismissed Kinkade's claim sua sponte prior to service, on the grounds that Kinkade failed to state a constitutional claim. We have jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1291, and we reverse the district court.

When a claim is lodged in forma pauperis, the district court may dismiss the case only if "satisfied that the action is frivolous or malicious." 28 U.S.C. § 1915(d). The Supreme Court has held that a claim "is frivolous where it lacks an arguable basis either in law or in fact." Neitzke v. Williams, 490 U.S. 319, 325, 109 S.Ct. 1827, 1831 (1989). A complaint is frivolous only if it contains 'inarguable legal conclusion[s]' or 'fanciful factual obligations.' " McKeever v. Block, 932 F.2d 795, 798 (9th Cir.1991), (quoting Neitzke, 109 S.Ct. at 1833). See also Hernandez v. Denton, 929 F.2d 1374, 1376 (9th Cir.), cert. granted, 112 S.Ct. 369 (1991).

Kinkade lodges several claims. He argues that he was deliberately subjected to cold temperatures, and often denied food. He also argues that he was not afforded an impartial disciplinary hearing. His inadequate heating and food claims are cognizable as violations of the Eighth Amendment. Wilson v. Seiter, 111 S.Ct. 2321 (1991). His impartial hearing claim is cognizable under Wolff v. McDonnel, 418 U.S. 539, 94 S.Ct. 2963 (1974). Kinkade supports all of his claims with extensive factual allegations.

Kinkade's claims are neither without legal substance nor based upon fanciful factual allegations. We hold that sua sponte dismissal of Kinkade's claims was inappropriate. We therefore REVERSE and REMAND.