IN RE: Michael Anthony JONES (2018)

United States Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit.

IN RE: Michael Anthony JONES, Petitioner.

No. 18-1396

Decided: June 25, 2018

Before DIAZ and HARRIS, Circuit Judges, and SHEDD, Senior Circuit Judge. Michael Anthony Jones, Petitioner Pro Se.

Michael Anthony Jones filed a petition and an amended petition for a writ of mandamus, seeking an order directing the district court to consider objections to the magistrate judge’s recommendation to deny relief in his civil case. We conclude that Jones is not entitled to mandamus relief.

Mandamus relief is a drastic remedy and should be used only in extraordinary circumstances. Kerr v. U.S. Dist. Court, 426 U.S. 394, 402, 96 S.Ct. 2119, 48 L.Ed.2d 725 (1976); United States v. Moussaoui, 333 F.3d 509, 516-17 (4th Cir. 2003). Further, mandamus relief is available only when the petitioner has a clear right to the relief sought. In re Norfolk S. Ry. Co., 756 F.3d 282, 294 (4th Cir. 2014).

Mandamus may not be used as a substitute for appeal. In re Lockheed Martin Corp., 503 F.3d 351, 353 (4th Cir. 2007). Jones has not shown the existence of an extraordinary circumstance, nor has he shown that he has a clear right to the relief he seeks. Accordingly, although we grant leave to proceed in forma pauperis, we deny the petitions for writ of mandamus. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before this court and argument would not aid the decisional process.

PETITIONS DENIED

PER CURIAM:

Petitions denied by unpublished per curiam opinion. Unpublished opinions are not binding precedent in this circuit.