Bland v. Cain

Jul 21, 2026
3:26-cv-00205

ORDER GRANTING PETITIONER‘S MOTION TO PROCEED IN FORMA PAUPERIS AND DIRECTING STATE TO RESPOND

Joseph Earl Bland has filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus under 28 U.S.C. § 2254 [1] and seeks to proceed in forma pauperis [2]. It is ORDERED:

  1. That the petitioner‘s application for leave to proceed in forma pauperis [2] is GRANTED.
  2. No later than, October 9, 2026, the respondent, through Lynn Fitch, the Attorney General of the State of Mississippi, must file an answer to this petition, along with full transcripts of all proceedings in the state courts of Mississippi arising from the charge of first degree murder against the petitioner in the Circuit Court of Tunica County, Mississippi (to the extent such transcripts are relevant to the State‘s response).
  3. Within 14 days of service upon him of a copy of respondent‘s answer, petitioner may file his traverse or reply to the allegations contained in such answer. If a response is needed to any future motions, one will be requested.
  4. The clerk of this court will serve by email (Return Receipt, High Importance) a copy of the petition, this order, acknowledgment of service of process form, and any other initial filings, upon Lynn Fitch, Attorney General of the State of Mississippi, or her lawful successor, to Assistant Attorneys General Jerrolyn Owens and Bridgette Grant. The respondent must electronically file the completed acknowledgment of service of process form upon receipt.

Petitioner is warned that failure to keep this court informed of his current address could also lead to dismissal of his lawsuit.

SO ORDERED, this, the 21st day of July, 2026.

/s/ David A. Sanders

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE