(a) Definition. Regardless of whether a person is represented by counsel
or appears pro se, any plaintiff who is accused of, convicted of, sentenced for, or
adjudicated delinquent for violations of criminal law, the terms and conditions of
parole, probation, pretrial release, or diversionary program, or who is incarcerated
in any facility on the date of service of the complaint is considered a “prisoner”
within the meaning of this rule.
(b) The following rules apply to all proceedings pending or commenced
by prisoners, whether proceeding pro se or represented by counsel, in addition to
all other Local Rules, including LR83.1(e).
(c) Communications with the Court. All communications shall be
directed to the clerk of court. A prisoner should not communicate directly with the
presiding judge or chambers staff via letters, requests, motions, telephone or
facsimile, absent exceptional circumstances. Any communications sent directly to
the presiding judge or chambers staff by a prisoner may be disregarded, stricken
from the record, or returned.
