Free Motion for Extension of Time to File Answer - District Court of Delaware - Delaware

Case 1:07-cv-00194-GMS

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Filed 07/16/2007

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE ALONZO W. MORRIS, JR., Petitioner, v. THOMAS CARROLL, Warden and JOSEPH R. BIDEN, III, Attorney General for the State of Delaware Respondents. ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) )

Civ.Act.No. 07-194-GMS

MOTION FOR EXTENSION OF TIME Pursuant to Rule 6 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, respondents move for an extension of time in which to file an answer to the petition. In support thereof, respondents state the following: 1. The petitioner, Alonzo W. Morris, Jr., has applied for federal habeas

relief, alleging error by the trial court. D.I. 9. By the terms of the Court's order, the answer is due to be filed on July 16, 2007. 2. Counsel has been, and continues to be, diligently working on numerous

cases before this Court and the state courts. However, due to the one vacancy currently in the Appeals Division, the workload for the remaining attorneys has greatly increased. Counsel is doing his best to prioritize cases by date received. Further, the Chief of the Appeals Division must review all filings prior to submission and has been unable to do so due to his own substantial caseload. In light of the situation, additional time is needed to complete the answer and have it reviewed in the ordinary course of business.

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3.

Under Habeas Rule 4, the Court has the discretion to give respondents an

extension of time exceeding the 40-day limit in Civil Rule 81(a)(2). Clutchette v. Rushen, 770 F.2d 1469, 1473-74 & n.4 (9th Cir. 1985); Kramer v. Jenkins, 108 F.R.D. 429, 431-32 (N.D. Ill. 1985). The comment to Rule 4 expressly states that the district court has "the discretion to take into account various factors such as the respondent's workload" in determining the period of time that should be allowed to answer the petition. 4. 5. This is respondents' first request for an extension of time in this case. Respondents submit that an extension of time to and including August 23,

2007, in which to file an answer is reasonable. Respondents submit herewith a proposed order.

/s/ James T. Wakley Deputy Attorney General Department of Justice 820 N. French Street Wilmington, DE 19801 (302) 577-8500 Del. Bar. ID No. 4612 DATE: July 16, 2007

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RULE 7.1.1 CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that I have neither sought nor obtained the consent of the petitioner, who is incarcerated and appearing pro se, to the subject matter of this motion.

/s/ James T. Wakley Deputy Attorney General Department of Justice 820 N. French Street Wilmington, DE 19801 (302) 577-8500 Counsel for Respondents

Date: July 16, 2007

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CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I hereby certify that on July 16, 2007, I electronically filed the attached documents with the Clerk of Court using CM/ECF. I also hereby certify that on July 16, 2007, I have mailed by United States Postal Service, the same documents to the following non-registered participant:

Alonzo W. Morris, Jr. SBI No. 263971 Delaware Correctional Center 1181 Paddock Road Smyrna, DE 19977 /s/ James T. Wakley Deputy Attorney General Department of Justice 820 N. French Street Wilmington, DE 19801 (302) 577-8500 Del. Bar. ID No. 4612 [email protected] Date: July 16, 2007

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE ALONZO W. MORRIS, JR., Petitioner, v. THOMAS CARROLL, Warden and JOSEPH R. BIDEN, III, Attorney General for the State of Delaware Respondents. ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ORDER This _____day of _________________________, 2006, WHEREAS, respondents having requested an extension of time in which to file an answer, and WHEREAS, it appearing to the Court that the requested extension is timely made and good cause has been shown for the extension, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that respondents' answer shall be filed on or before August 23, 2007.

Civ.Act.No. 07-194-GMS

____________________________ United States District Judge