Case Explained: CARR V. MCKAY, ET AL.

Court: United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Filed: 2026-07-08

Docket: 1:20-cv-00314-DCN

The Ninth Circuit affirmed the district court’s grant of summary judgment in favor of the defendants in a civil rights action alleging unconstitutional confinement conditions and due process violations. The court held that any legal challenges to the summary judgment were forfeited because the pro se appellant’s opening brief failed to provide contentions supported by citations to authorities or the record as required by Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 28(a)(8)(A). While the court noted its duty to liberally construe pro se filings, it clarified that it cannot manufacture arguments for an appellant and must deem issues forfeited when they are not coherently developed. Consequently, the judgment of the district court remains in effect, resulting in a final dismissal of Carr’s claims against the defendants.

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