Lord v. City of New York

Background

Donald A. Lord brought this action against the City of New York and five other defendants. The court had granted Lord permission to proceed without paying filing fees. Under the cited federal statute and rule, a plaintiff granted that permission may rely on the court and the U.S. Marshals Service to serve defendants.

Order

The court instructed the Clerk of Court to complete a U.S. Marshals Service Process Receipt and Return form for each of these defendants at the addresses listed in the order:

- City of New York - Project Renewal - New York City Housing Authority - Mayor Bill de Blasio - New York State Office of Alcoholism Substance Abuse Services - Sera Security

The Clerk was also instructed to issue summonses and provide the Marshals Service with the paperwork needed to serve the defendants.

Additional instructions

The order required Lord to notify the court in writing if his address changes and stated that the court may dismiss the action if he fails to do so. Because of the health crisis, the court encouraged people representing themselves to file documents by email. The court also provided information about a civil-case legal clinic operated by the New York Legal Assistance Group and clarified that the clinic is not part of the court and cannot file documents on the court’s behalf.

Disposition

Stewart D. Aaron entered an amended order of service. The order concerns service of process and related case administration; it does not rule on the merits of Lord’s claims.