Zito v. Transworld Systems, Inc. et al

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS
JOSEPH ZITO,
Plaintiff,
v.
TRANSWORLD SYSTEMS, INC., et al.,
Defendant.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
Civil Action No. 25-11977-MJJ
ORDER
JOUN, D.J.
In his “Preliminary Ex Parte Declarative Exception Objection Taken To The Court’s July
28, 2025 Procedural Order” [Doc. No. 5], pro se plaintiff Joseph Zito (“Mr. Zito”) argues that
the Court cannot require him to disclose his financial information as part of his request to
proceed in forma pauperis.
This argument is incorrect. Subject to some exceptions not factually relevant here,
proceeding in forma pauperis in a civil action is a privilege, not a right, see Daker v. Jackson,
942 F.3d 1252, 1257 (11th Cir. 2019); Rodriguez v. Cook, 169 F.3d 1176, 1180 (9th Cir. 1999),
and the decision “[w]hether to grant or deny in forma pauperis status is within the sound
discretion of the trial court,” Scherer v. Kansas, 263 Fed. App’x 667, 669 (10th Cir. 2008).
Federal law requires that a party seeking leave to proceed in forma pauperis submit a “statement
of all assets such prisoner possesses” showing that “the person is unable to pay such fees or give
security therefor.” 28 U.S.C. 1915(a)(1). Despite the statute’s use of the phrase “such prisoner,”
the affidavit requirement applies to all persons requesting leave to proceed in forma pauperis.
See Lister v. Dep’t of Treasury, 408 F.3d 1309, 1312 (10th Cir. 2005); Martinez v. Kristi
Case 1:25-cv-11977-MJJ Document 6 Filed 12/22/25 Page 1 of 2

2
Kleaners, Inc., 364 F.3d 1305, 1306 n.1 (11th Cir. 2004) (per curiam). The use of the word
“prisoner” in 28 U.S.C. 1915(a)(1) appears to be a typographical error. See Douris v. Middletown
Tp., 293 Fed. App’x 130, 132 n.1 (3d Cir. 2008).
Accordingly, the Court ORDERS that, if Mr. Zito wishes to proceed with this action, he
must pay the $405 filing fee or file a completed and signed Application to Proceed in District
Court Without Prepaying Fees or Costs. Failure to do so within twenty-one (21) days will result
in dismissal of this action without prejudice.
SO ORDERED.
/s/ Myong J. Joun
Myong J. Joun
United States District Judge
Dated: December 22, 2025
Case 1:25-cv-11977-MJJ Document 6 Filed 12/22/25 Page 2 of 2