Pro Se Prisoner and Habeas Corpus Cases

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These matters are decided without oral argument. Notices, Orders, and Reports & Recommendations are mailed to those parties who are not e-filers. The Court does not have funds to appoint counsel, but will consider the recruitment of pro bono counsel in appropriate cases. Pro se litigants are expected to adhere to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Local Rules of the Eastern District of Michigan and Judge Patti's Practice Guidelines. The Court does not give legal advice to either side and expects that pleadings and motions will be in appropriate form. Letters to the Court are neither pleadings nor motions and will be stricken. Definitions of and requirements for pleadings and motions are provided in Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 7 through 11, with additional local requirements set forth at Local Rules 7.1 through 11.2. Additional requirements may apply to particular types of motions, and the Rules of Civil Procedure, corresponding Local Rules and Judge Patti's other practice guidelines should be consulted and followed accordingly, for example: Rule 15 for motions to amend or supplement pleadings, Rule 37 for motions to compel discovery, Rule 56 for summary judgment motions, etc. All parties are expected to adhere to these rules and guidelines, all of which can be accessed on the Court's website under the "Judges" or "Attorneys" tabs.