Hines v. City of Mobile

On August 31, 1984, while incarcerated in an Alabama state prison, Thomas C. Hines filed a civil action against the City of Mobile and one of its police officers. Hines alleged that the officer committed an assault and battery on him on or about May 26, 1983. Hines's motion to proceed in forma pauperis was granted, and his motion for appointment of counsel was denied.

The case was set for trial on July 16, 1985. There is no allegation that Hines was unaware of the date. In fact, Hines had filed a motion requesting that another inmate be required to attend the trial as a witness for him.…