(a) Screening.—The court shall review, before docketing, if feasible or, in any event, as soon as practicable after docketing, a complaint in a civil action in which a prisoner seeks redress from a governmental entity or officer or employee of a governmental entity.
(b) Grounds for Dismissal.—On review, the court shall identify cognizable claims or dismiss the complaint, or any portion of the complaint, if the complaint—(1) is frivolous, malicious, or fails to state a claim upon which relief may be granted; or
(2) seeks monetary relief from a defendant who is immune from such relief.
(c) Definition.—As used in this section, the term “prisoner” means any person incarcerated or detained in any facility who is accused of, convicted of, sentenced for, or adjudicated delinquent for, violations of criminal law or the terms and conditions of parole, probation, pretrial release, or diversionary program.
Structure US Code
Title 28— JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE
§ 1912. Damages and costs on affirmance
§ 1914. District court; filing and miscellaneous fees; rules of court
§ 1915. Proceedings in forma pauperis
§ 1917. District courts; fee on filing notice of or petition for appeal
§ 1918. District courts; fines, forfeitures and criminal proceedings
§ 1919. Dismissal for lack of jurisdiction
§ 1921. United States marshal’s fees
§ 1922. Witness fees before United States magistrate judges
§ 1923. Docket fees and costs of briefs
§ 1924. Verification of bill of costs
§ 1925. Admiralty and maritime cases
§ 1926. Court of Federal Claims
§ 1927. Counsel’s liability for excessive costs
§ 1928. Patent infringement action; disclaimer not filed
§ 1929. Extraordinary expenses not expressly authorized
§ 1931. Disposition of filing fees