Otis v. Bd of Supr for LA, et al

* Pursuant to 5TH CIR. R. 47.5, the court has determined that
this opinion should not be published and is not precedent except
under the limited circumstances set forth in 5TH CIR. R. 47.5.4.
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IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE FIFTH CIRCUIT
No. 00-30989
Summary Calendar
LUTHER T. OTIS, SR.,
Plaintiff-Appellant,
versus
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY AND
AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL COLLEGE; LESLYE A. BASS; ALBERT A.
LAVILLE; RON E. GARDNER; and MERVIN L. TRAIL,
Defendants-Appellees.
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Appeal from the United States District Court
for the Eastern District of Louisiana
USDC No. 99-CV-3795-T
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February 15, 2001
Before SMITH, BENAVIDES, and DENNIS Circuit Judges.
PER CURIAM:*
Luther Otis appeals the district court’s decision to deny
him appointed counsel with respect to the Title VII allegations
he has raised against the defendants. We review such decisions
for abuse of discretion. Jackson v. Dallas Police Dept., 811
F.2d 260, 261 (5th Cir. 1986). Otis’ scant brief does not refer
to particular faults by the district court that might constitute
an abuse of discretion. Indeed, it is impossible to discern from
the brief any specific legal argument, rather Otis simply

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disagrees in conclusory fashion with the district court’s
decision. Thus, the court is of the opinion that Otis’ general
and conclusory brief is not sufficiently specific to present
issues for review. See Yohey v. Collins, 985 F.2d 222, 225 (5th
Cir. 1993). In any event, we have reviewed the district court’s
order, as well as the record, and it is evident that the district
court considered the proper factors in determining whether
appointment of counsel was warranted. The only cases that Otis
cites - Robins v. Maggio, 750 F.2d 405 (5th Cir. 1985) and Carter
v. Fenner, 136 F.3d 1000 (5th Cir. 1998) - in no way conflict
with the manner in which the district court resolved Otis’
request for appointed counsel. Accordingly, the judgment of the
district court is AFFIRMED.

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