Zongo v. Brott

Background

The court considered Plaintiff Wendkouni Wilfried Arnold Zongo’s motion for access to a computer or for an extension of time. The court had previously set October 27, 2021, as the deadline for Zongo to respond to Defendant Joel Brott’s pending motion to dismiss. Zongo asked the court either to order the Sherburne County Jail to provide him computer access or to extend the briefing deadline.

Ruling

The court declined to order the detention facility to take a particular action concerning Zongo’s access to materials, explaining that courts generally refrain from managing detention facilities’ day-to-day operations. The court nevertheless allowed additional time for Zongo to respond.

The order granted in part and denied in part Zongo’s motion. It denied the motion insofar as Zongo requested a court order requiring the Sherburne County Jail to provide computer access. It allowed Zongo to file his response by November 15, 2021. The defendant’s reply was due December 6, 2021, and the court stated that no further extensions would be granted.

Effect on the case

This order addressed access to materials and briefing deadlines; it did not decide the pending motion to dismiss or the underlying claims. The court also stated that Zongo’s submission would be construed broadly because he was representing himself and lacked detailed legal experience and unlimited legal materials. Judge Becky R. Thorson signed the order as a United States Magistrate Judge.