Rosaline B. Lewis, Plaintiff-appellant, v. United States of America, Defendant-appellee, 956 F.2d 1167 (9th Cir. 1992)

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U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit - 956 F.2d 1167 (9th Cir. 1992) Submitted Feb. 26, 1992. *Decided March 4, 1992

Before CANBY, WILLIAM A. NORRIS and LEAVY, Circuit Judges.


MEMORANDUM** 

Rosaline B. Lewis appeals pro se the district court's dismissal of her action for supplemental social security income disability benefits. We interpret the district court's sua sponte dismissal of the in forma pauperis complaint before service of process as a dismissal pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(d). Jackson v. Arizona, 885 F.2d 639, 640 (9th Cir. 1989). We review de novo, id., and affirm.

Frivolous in forma pauperis complaints may be dismissed sua sponte under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(d). Neitzke v. Williams, 490 U.S. 319, 324 (1989). A complaint is frivolous "where it lacks an arguable basis either in law or fact." Id. at 325.

The district court properly dismissed Lewis's complaint because it lacks an arguable basis in law. See id. Lewis's claims have previously been actually and necessarily determined against her by courts of competent jurisdiction. See Lewis v. Sullivan, No. 89-15575 (May 10, 1990) (unpublished memorandum disposition). Therefore, Lewis is estopped from relitigating these issues. See Montana v. United States, 440 U.S. 147, 153 (1979).

AFFIRMED.

 *

The panel unanimously finds this case suitable for decision without oral argument. Fed. R. App. P. 34(a); 9th Cir.R. 34-4. Accordingly, Lewis's requests for oral argument are denied

 **

This disposition is not appropriate for publication and may not be cited to or by the courts of this circuit except as provided by 9th Cir.R. 36-3

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