GIBSON v. DAVIS (2020)

This court must examine the basis of its jurisdiction, on its own motion if necessary. Hill v. City of Seven Points, 230 F.3d 167, 169 (5th Cir. 2000). In this habeas corpus case filed by a state prisoner, the petitioner filed a notice of appeal from the magistrate judge’s report and recommendation to deny the petition.

“Federal appellate courts have jurisdiction over appeals only from (1) a final decision under 28 U.S.C. § 1291; (2) a decision that is deemed final due to jurisprudential exception or that has been properly certified as final pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 54(b); and (3) interlocutory orders that fall into specific classes, 28 U.S.C. § 1292(a), or that have been properly certified for appeal by the district court, 28 U.S.C. § 1292(b).” Askanase v. Livingwell, Inc., 981 F.2d 807, 809-10 (5th Cir. 1993). The report and recommendation of a magistrate judge is not a final order and it does not fall into any of the other categories that would make it appealable. See United States v. Cooper, 135 F.3d 960, 961 (5th Cir. 1998). Moreover, although the district court subsequently adopted the report and recommendation, the present notice of appeal is not effective for purposes of appealing that judgment. Id. at 962 (“[T]he recommendation of a magistrate judge is not a final decision and does not in any way dispose of a party’s claims.”). Accordingly, the appeal is DISMISSED for want of jurisdiction.

FOOTNOTES

FOOTNOTE.  

PER CURIAM *: FN* Pursuant to 5th Cir. R. 47.5, the court has determined that this opinion should not be published and is not precedent except under the limited circumstances set forth in 5th Cir. R. 47.5.4.