5th Cir. Nixes Self-Described Vampire Priest's Civil Rights Case, Call It Strike One Toward IFP Ban
In a brief ruling (PDF) Thursday, a federal appeals court gave short shrift to an effort by a self-described vampire high priest to pursue an in forma pauperis appeal of a prisoner civil rights case.
Saying that Courtney Royal, who is serving time in Texas, made no effort to address the reasons cited by a federal judge for finding his appeal frivolous, the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed it.
The three-judge panel also cautioned Royal, who is listed on the case caption as “Vampsh Black Sheep League of Doom Gardamun Family Circle Master Vampire High Priest,” that the dismissal counts as strike one toward a potential ban on his ability to proceed in forma pauperis in most inmate suits.
“Royal is cautioned that if he accumulates three strikes … he will not be able to proceed IFP in any civil action or appeal filed while he is incarcerated or detained in any facility unless he is under imminent danger of serious physical injury,” the court writes.
