Johnson v. Weaver, 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that this opinion should not be published and is not precedent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.
United States Court of Appeals
Fifth Circuit
F I L E D
December 4, 2003
Charles R. Fulbruge III
Clerk
IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE FIFTH CIRCUIT
No. 03-30744
Summary Calendar
ANTHONY M. JOHNSON,
Plaintiff-Appellant,
versus
WEAVER, Major; CHARLES M. GRAY; MAGGIO, Officer,
Defendants-Appellees.
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Appeal from the United States District Court
for the Western District of Louisiana
USDC No. 03-CV-735
--------------------
Before HIGGINBOTHAM, DAVIS, and PRADO, Circuit Judges.
PER CURIAM:*
Anthony Morris Johnson, Louisiana prisoner # 88158-288425,
appeals the district court’s denial of his motion for appointment
of counsel in this 42 U.S.C. § 1983 action alleging excessive
force. Johnson contends that he is a layman of law and that the
ends of justice require counsel be appointed to represent him.
This is a relatively straight-forward, fact-intensive case
that does not require Johnson to demonstrate legal skills or

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No. 03-30744
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training to inform the court adequately of his allegations.
Johnson’s claims are based on his own direct experiences and are
not likely to require extensive investigation. Johnson has not
shown exceptional circumstances warranting the appointment of
counsel. See Feist v. Jefferson County Comm’rs Court, 778 F.2d
250, 253 (5th Cir. 1985). Therefore, the district court did not
abuse its discretion in denying the motion for the appointment of
counsel.
AFFIRMED.

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