Guttman v. Silverberg, 167 F. App'x 1 (10th Cir. 2005). · Go Syfert
Guttman v. Silverberg, 167 F. App'x 1 (10th Cir. 2005). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
40 citation events (40 in the last 25 years) across 10 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: Clear Link Technologies LLC v. Aspiration Fund Adviser LLC (utd, 2024-02-01)
Treatment trajectory · 2006 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
2006 2016 2026
Top citers, strongest first. 30 distinct citers. How cited ↗
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Clear Link Technologies LLC v. Aspiration Fund Adviser LLC
D. Utah · 2024 · signal: see also · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
a court need not consider all of the factors and may consider other factors as well.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) England Logistics Inc v. GV Champlines
D. Utah · 2023 · signal: see also · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
a court need not consider all of the factors and may consider other factors as well.
discussed Cited as authority (quoted) Growtech Industries LLC v. Mary Mechanix LLP
W.D. Okla. · 2025 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence low
the entry of default and the entry of a judgment by default are two separate procedures.
discussed Cited as authority (quoted) Hobby Lobby Stores Inc v. US Consulting Group
W.D. Okla. · 2024 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence low
the entry of default and the entry of a judgment by default are two separate procedures.
discussed Cited as authority (quoted) Jim Cooper Construction Company Inc v. C Ford Electric LLC
W.D. Okla. · 2024 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence low
the entry of default and the entry of a judgment by default are two separate procedures.
discussed Cited as authority (quoted) BMO Harris Banks N.A. v. B T Auto Transport LLC
W.D. Okla. · 2023 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence low
the entry of default and the entry of a judgment by default are two separate procedures.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Nathan Blaney v. 3C Trucking and ESP Excavation, Inc. (2×) also: Cited "see"
D. Utah · 2026 · confidence medium
When considering whether it is appropriate to enter default against a defendant who has since appeared to defend the action, the court examines the same factors the court considers when determining whether to set aside an entry of default, including “whether the default was willful, whether setting it aside would prejudice the adversary, and whether a meritorious defense is presented.” Guttman v. Silverberg, 167 F. App’x 1, 3 (quoting In re Dierschke, 975 F.2d 181 , 183 (5th Cir. 1992)).
cited Cited as authority (rule) John Doe and Jane Roe v. Avi Schwalb
Bankr.D. Colo. · 2026 · confidence medium
Guttman v. Silverberg, 167 Fed.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Eric Cabrera v. Emortgage Funding LLC
D. Colo. · 2026 · confidence medium
“A court need not consider all of the factors, and may consider other factors as well.” Guttman v. Silverberg, 167 Fed.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) USI Insurance Services, LLC v. Fowler
D. Kan. · 2025 · confidence medium
Kan. 2001) (citing Gomes, 420 F.2d at 1366 ). 6 Guttman v. Silverberg, 167 F. App’x 1, 4 (10th Cir. 2005). 7 Crutcher, 205 F.R.D. at 584 (citations omitted). 8 See id. 9 See Pinson v. Equifax Credit Inf.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Thorup v. Bitbox International, Inc.
D. Utah · 2025 · confidence medium
Thorup then filed his Motion for Default Judgment and Motion for Attorney Fees on August 20, 2024.19 STANDARD “An answer generally must be served twenty days after service of the summons and complaint.”20 “If a party fails to answer or otherwise defend, a default may be entered against the party.”21 Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 55(a), the clerk of court must enter a party’s default when they have “failed to plead or otherwise defend, and that failure is shown by affidavit or otherwise.”22 Then, the plaintiff “must apply to the court for a default judgment” unless the…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Brownlee (ID 73693) v. Cline
D. Kan. · 2023 · confidence medium
P. 55(a). 5 See Guttman v. Silverberg, 167 F. App’x 1, 4 (10th Cir. 2005) (finding no reversible error in district court declining to enter default when motion to dismiss preceded motion for entry of default); Akers v. Sandoval, 100 F.3d 967 (Table), 1996 WL 635309 , at *3 (10th Cir. Nov. 4, 1996) (“A motion to dismiss constitutes defending an action within the meaning of Fed.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) King of Freight LLC v. Viva Express, Inc.
D. Kan. · 2022 · confidence medium
Kan. 2001) (quoting Gomes, 420 F.2d at 1366 ). 5 Watkins v. Donnelly, 551 F. App’x 953, 958 (10th Cir. 2014) (further citations and quotations omitted). 6 Guttman v. Silverberg, 167 F. App’x 1, 4 (10th Cir. 2005). 7 Crutcher, 205 F.R.D. at 584 . 8 See id.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Clark v. Cascio
M.D. Fla. · 2022 · confidence medium
See Stevens v. Osuna, 5 See also Fake v. City of Phila., 704 F. App’x 214, 217 (11th Cir. 2017) (“Nor would judicial immunity be lost even if some of the defendants, as [plaintiff] suggests, engaged in improper favoritism or ex parte communications.”); Woodworth v. Hulshof, 891 F.3d 1083, 1093 (8th Cir. 2018); Moore v. Brewster, 96 F.3d 1240, 1244 (9th Cir. 1996); Guttman v. Silverberg, 167 F. App’x 1, 4-5 (10th Cir. 2005); Knezevich v. Ptomey, No. 17-10033-CIV-MARTINEZ/AOR, 2018 WL 10436298 , at *4 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Tracy v. Stephens
D. Utah · 2022 · confidence medium
See Pinson, 316 F. App’x at 750 (holding that a six-day delay was evidence of the defendant’s good faith, not willfulness); Guttman v. Silverberg, 167 F. App’x 1, 4 (10th Cir. 2005) (holding that a six-day delay created no “substantial advantage” and was grounds to set aside entry of default).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Ericksen v. Newey
D. Utah · 2022 · confidence medium
See Pinson, 316 F. App’x at 750 (holding that a six-day delay was evidence of the defendant’s good faith, not willfulness); Guttman v. Silverberg, 167 F. App’x 1, 4 (10th Cir. 2005) (holding that a six-day delay created no “substantial advantage” and was grounds to set aside entry of default).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Vallejos v. Walsh
D. Colo. · 2021 · confidence medium
Guttman v. Silverberg, 167 F. App’x 1, 3 (10th Cir. 2005) (citing Dierschke v. O’Cheskey (In re Dierschke), 975 F.2d 181, 183 (5th Cir. 1992)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Kahler v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
D. Colo. · 2020 · confidence medium
Guttman v. Silverberg, 167 F. App’x 1, 3 (10th Cir. 2005) (citing Dierschke v. O’Cheskey (In re Dierschke), 975 F.2d 181, 183 (5th Cir. 1992)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Behounek v. Lujan Grisham
D.N.M. · 2020 · confidence medium
See Pinson, 316 F. App’x at 750 (finding defendant acted in “good faith by submitting its motion to set aside the default . . . just six days after default was entered”); Guttman v. Silverberg, 167 F. App’x 1, 4 (10th Cir. 2005) (unpublished) (finding defendant did not act willfully in filing a motion to dismiss six days late “because we see no substantial advantage to [defendant] and no prejudice to [plaintiff] in connection with the short delay”).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Yarger v. Fresh Farms, LLC
D. Kan. · 2020 · confidence medium
Kan. 2001) (quoting Gomes v. Williams, 420 F.2d 1364, 1366 (10th Cir. 1970)). 13 Guttman v. Silverberg, 167 F. App’x 1, 3 (10th Cir. 2005). 14 In re Rains, 946 F.2d 731 , 732–33 (10th Cir. 1991) (quoting Cessna Fin.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Sugar, Jr. v. Tackett
D.N.M. · 2020 · confidence medium
“A court need not consider all of the [above] factors, and may consider other factors as well.” Guttman v. Silverberg, 167 F. App’x 1, 4 (10th Cir. 2005). 2.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Butman Family Investment Limited Partnership, The v. Owners Insurance Company
D. Colo. · 2020 · confidence medium
Colo. Feb. 26, 2020); see also id. at *1 (stating that “challenges to subject matter jurisdiction cannot be waived”); Guttman v. Silverberg, 167 F. App’x 1, 4 (10th Cir. 2005) (“[L]ack of jurisdiction cannot be waived and jurisdiction cannot be conferred upon a federal court by consent, inaction, or stipulation” (quoting Basso v Utah Power & Light Co., 495 F.2d 906, 909 (10th Cir. 1974))).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Lincoln v. BNSF Railway Company
D. Kan. · 2019 · confidence medium
Guttman v. Silverberg, 167 F. App’x 1, 4 (10th Cir. 2005) (“[L]ack of jurisdiction cannot be waived and jurisdiction cannot be conferred upon a federal court by consent, inaction, or stipulation” (quoting Basso v Utah Power & Light Co., 495 F.2d 906, 909 (10th Cir. 1974))).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Let's Go Aero, Inc. v. Cequent Performance Products, Inc.
D. Colo. · 2015 · confidence medium
Guttman v. Silverberg, 167 Fed.Appx. 1, 4 (10th Cir.2005) (unpublished) (citation omitted).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) James Schottel, Jr. v. Patrick Young
8th Cir. · 2012 · confidence medium
See Liles v. Reagan, 804 F.2d 493, 495 (8th Cir.1986) (stating “Molding contempt proceedings, finding a party in contempt, and ruling on a motion for recusal are all acts normally performed by a judge”); see also Duvall v. Cnty. of Kitsap, 260 F.3d 1124 , 1133 (9th Cir.2001) (“Ruling on a motion is a normal judicial funetion[.]”); Guttman v. Silverberg, 167 Fed.Appx. 1, 4-5 (10th Cir.2005) (stating ruling on motions is a normal function of a judge and explaining “[wjhether or not [the judge] accepted ex parte communications, was biased against [the complaining party], or should have …
cited Cited "see" Forehand v. Ali
W.D. Okla. · 2025 · signal: accord · confidence high
Servs., Inc., 316 F. App’x 744, 750 (10th Cir. 2009) (citation omitted); accord Guttman v. Silverberg, 167 F. App’x 1, 3 (10th Cir. 2005).
cited Cited "see" iFit v. FiiT
D. Utah · 2024 · signal: see · confidence high
See Guttman v. Silverberg, 167 Fed.
cited Cited "see" Gaines v. Moore City of
W.D. Okla. · 2021 · signal: accord · confidence high
Servs., Inc., 316 F. App’x 744, 750 (10th Cir. 2009) (unpublished) (citation omitted); accord Guttman v. Silverberg, 167 F. App’x 1, 3 (10th Cir. 2005) (unpublished).
discussed Cited "see" World Fuel Service Inc v. Bales
W.D. Okla. · 2020 · signal: accord · confidence high
Servs., Inc., 316 F. App’x 744, 750 (10th Cir. 2009) (unpublished)2 (quoting Matter of Dierschke, 975 F.2d 181, 183 (5th Cir. 1992)); accord Guttman v. Silverberg, 167 F. App’x 1, 3 (10th Cir. 2005) (unpublished).
cited Cited "see, e.g." Tucker v. Santander Consumer usa
D. Colo. · 2021 · signal: see also · confidence medium
See Hunt v. Ford Motor Co., 1995 WL 523646, at *3 (10th Cir. Aug. 29,1995) (unpublished); see also Guttman v. Silverberg, 167 Fed.
Retrieving the full opinion text from the archive…
Stuart T. GUTTMAN, Plaintiff-Appellant,
v.
Herbert M. SILVERBERG; William F. Lang, Defendants-Appellees
05-2180.
Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.
Dec 19, 2005.
167 F. App'x 1
Stuart T. Guttman, Truth or Consquences, NM, pro se., Kathryn Hammel, Hammel Law Firm, Albuquerque, NM, Patricia J. Turner, Santa Fe, NM, for Defendants-Appellees.
Barrett, Porfilio, Brorby.
Cited by 37 opinions  |  Unpublished
1 passages pin-cited by 4 cases
Pinpoint authority: #35,912 of 633,719
Citer courts: W.D. Oklahoma (4)

ORDER AND JUDGMENT *

PORFILIO, Circuit Judge.

After examining the briefs and appellate record, this panel has determined unanimously that oral argument would not materially assist the determination of this appeal. See Fed. R.App. P. 34(a)(2); 10th Cir. R. 34.1(G). The case is therefore ordered submitted without oral argument.

Plaintiff Stuart T. Guttman, appearing pro se, appeals from the district court’s orders vacating a default judgment and dismissing his case for lack of subject matter jurisdiction, failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted, and on the ground of absolute judicial immunity. We exercise jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1291 and AFFIRM.

Guttman, a medical doctor, filed this suit against his former attorney, Herbert M. Silverberg, and the Honorable William F. Lang, a New Mexico District Court Judge in the Second Judicial District (Bernalillo County). Silverberg represented Guttman in proceedings before the New Mexico Board of Medical Examiners, and Judge Lang presided over a civil action in which Guttman brought a claim of malpractice against Silverberg arising out of that representation.

In his federal complaint, Guttman asserts that he brings claims against both defendants under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. He alleges Judge Lang was biased against him when he denied a motion for access to medical records that Silverberg allegedly had provided to the court ex parte in relation to a contempt hearing, and when he denied a motion to recuse himself. He also complains that Silverberg committed fraud and violated the New Mexico Unfair Trade Practices Act by billing him for services not rendered or failing to provide services as advertised.

A copy of the complaint and summons was served on each defendant on April 7, 2005. On April 27, Judge Lang’s attorney, Patricia J. Turner, entered an appearance and, on May 3, filed a motion to dismiss on the grounds of absolute judicial immunity and a failure to state a claim on which relief can be granted. On the latter ground, Judge Lang argued that Guttman failed to allege any constitutional injury arising from his alleged conduct or to request any relief related to his alleged conduct.

On May 4, 2005, Guttman filed a “Notice Of Default Judgment Per Rule 55” and an accompanying affidavit in which he sought the entry of default against Silverberg and Turner. Neither document mentioned Judge Lang. On May 5, the clerk of the court entered a default pursuant to Fed. R.Civ.P. 55(a) [1] against Silverberg only.[*3] Guttman never moved for entry of default judgment against Silverberg and none was ever entered. On May 9, Silverberg filed two motions, one requesting relief from the entry of default and one requesting dismissal of the case. On June 7, the district court granted Judge Lang’s motion to dismiss and both of Silverberg’s motions.

On appeal, Guttman argues that the district court should not have set aside the entry of default against Silverberg. He also argues that the district court should have entered default against Judge Lang and, ostensibly in the alternative, that Judge Lang is not entitled to absolute judicial immunity because his acts were nonjudicial.

We review a decision regarding the entry of default for abuse of discretion. Ashby v. McKenna, 331 F.3d 1148, 1151-52 (10th Cir.2003). We review de novo the district court’s orders granting the defendants’ motions to dismiss under Fed. R.Civ.P. 12(b)(1) & (6). Colo. Envtl. Coal. v. Wenker, 353 F.3d 1221, 1227 (10th Cir.2004). Because Guttman appears pro se, we review his pleadings and other papers liberally and hold them to a less stringent standard than those drafted by attorneys. See Haines v. Kerner, 404 U.S. 519, 520, 92 S.Ct. 594, 30 L.Ed.2d 652 (1972); Hall v. Bellmon, 935 F.2d 1106, 1110 & n. 3 (10th Cir.1991).

An answer generally must be served twenty days after service of the summons and complaint. Fed.R.Civ.P. 12(a)(1)(A). In lieu of an answer, a motion permitted by Rule 12(b) may be served within the twenty-day period. See Fed.R.Civ.P. 12(a)(4)(A), (b). In this case, the twenty-day period ended on April 27, 2005. If a party fails to answer or otherwise defend, a default may be entered against the party. Fed.R.Civ.P. 55(a).

A court may set aside an entry of default for good cause shown. Fed.R.Civ.P. 55(c). “[T]he good cause required by Fed. R.Civ.P. 55(c) for setting aside entry of default poses a lesser standard for the defaulting party than the excusable neglect which must be shown for relief from judgment under Fed.R.Civ.P. 60(b).” Dennis Garberg & Assocs., Inc. v. Pack-Tech Int’l Corp., 115 F.3d 767, 775 n. 6 (10th Cir.1997). Because “[a] judgment is void when a court enters it lacking subject matter jurisdiction,” Williams v. Life Sav. & Loan, 802 F.2d 1200, 1202 (10th Cir.1986), it follows that lack of subject matter jurisdiction constitutes good cause to set aside an entry of default leading up to the entry of a default judgment, see id. at 1203 (holding that, before entering a default judgment, a court has “an affirmative duty to look into its jurisdiction both over the subject matter and the parties”). See also Fed.R.Civ.P. 12(h)(3) (providing that a court must dismiss an action whenever it appears that the court lacks subject matter jurisdiction).

To the extent Guttman’s claims against Silverberg are based on § 1983, we conclude that the district court lacked subject matter jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1331. Guttman did not allege state action on the part of Silverberg in his complaint, see Chapoose v. Hodel, 831 F.2d 931, 934-35 (10th Cir.1987) (affirming dismissal of § 1983 claim for lack of subject matter jurisdiction where defendant was not a state actor), and he has not present[*4] ed any argument in his appellate briefs on his issue. Guttman’s suggestion that default was appropriate because Silverberg knew of this defense at the time his answer was due and failed to assert it by that date is without merit. “[L]aek of jurisdiction cannot be waived and jurisdiction cannot be conferred upon a federal court by consent, inaction or stipulation.” Basso v. Utah Power & Light Co., 495 F.2d 906, 909 (10th Cir.1974).

To the extent his claims against Silverberg solely involve questions of state law, Guttman did not allege diversity of citizenship under 28 U.S.C. § 1332, and we conclude that diversity is lacking. Although not explicitly stated, it is apparent that the district court declined to exercise supplemental jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1367(c)(3) in view of its dismissal of the § 1983 claim against Silverberg as well as the dismissal of the § 1983 claim against Judge Lang, which, we conclude below, was proper. Accordingly, the court did not abuse its discretion in setting aside the entry of default for good cause based on the lack of subject matter jurisdiction and did not err in granting Silverberg’s motion to dismiss on the same ground.

Guttman argues that the district court should have entered default against Judge Lang because his attorney, Ms. Turner, entered her appearance on the date an answer or defensive motion was due, April 27, but did not file a motion to dismiss until May 3. We approach this issue by considering the factors a district court should take into account when determining whether to set aside an entry of default, including “whether the default was willful, whether setting it aside would prejudice the adversary, and whether a meritorious defense is presented.” Dierschke v. O’Cheskey (In re Dierschke), 975 F.2d 181, 183 (5th Cir.1992) (quotation omitted). A court need not consider all of the factors, and may consider other factors as well. Id. at 183-84. However, even where there is a meritorious defense and no prejudice to the adversary, “[wjillful failure alone may constitute sufficient cause for the court to deny th[e] motion.” Id. at 184-85.

The sequence of events shows that Judge Lang’s motion to dismiss was filed before Guttman’s motion for entry of default and presented a meritorious defense to the claim against Judge Lang. We are not persuaded by Guttman’s argument that either Judge Lang or his attorney acted willfully in filing the motion to dismiss after April 27 because we see no substantial advantage to Judge Lang and no prejudice to Guttman in connection with the short delay. Under these circumstances, we perceive no reversible error in the district court’s failure to enter default against Judge Lang.

We also conclude that the district court did not err in dismissing the claim against Judge Lang based on absolute judicial immunity. “[Gjenerally, a judge is immune from a suit for money damages.” Mireles v. Waco, 502 U.S. 9, 9, 112 S.Ct. 286, 116 L.Ed.2d 9 (1991). The immunity extends to acts taken in a judge’s judicial capacity; it does not encompass nonjudicial actions or judicial actions taken in the absence of all jurisdiction. Id. at 11-12. “[WJhether an act by a judge is a ‘judicial’ one relate[s] to the nature of the act itself, i.e., whether it is a function normally performed by a judge, and to the expectations of the parties, i.e., whether they dealt with the judge in his judicial capacity.” Stump v. Sparkman, 435 U.S. 349, 362, 98 S.Ct. 1099, 55 L.Ed.2d 331 (1978).

Judge Lang’s rulings on Guttman’s motions were the normal functions of a judge, and the parties were dealing with Judge Lang in his judicial capacity. Whether or not Judge Lang accepted ex parte commu[*5] ideations, was biased against Guttman, or should have recused himself does not abrogate the immunity or render his acts nonjudicial. See Mireles, 502 U.S. at 11 (“judicial immunity is not overcome by allegations of bad faith or malice”); Pierson v. Ray, 386 U.S. 547, 554, 87 S.Ct. 1213, 18 L.Ed.2d 288 (1967) (“immunity applies even when the judge is accused of acting maliciously and corruptly”), overruled on other grounds by Harlow v. Fitzgerald, 457 U.S. 800, 102 S.Ct. 2727, 73 L.Ed.2d 396 (1982) (qualified immunity). Furthermore, Guttman has not alleged that Judge Lang improperly took jurisdiction over his case. Therefore, Judge Lang is absolutely immune from Guttman’s suit to the extent he seeks damages.

Although “a judge is not absolutely immune from ... a suit for prospective injunctive relief,” Mireles, 502 U.S. at 10 n. 1, 112 S.Ct. 286., Guttman has not requested any prospective injunctive relief. In his reply brief, he refers to a statement in his complaint that mentions injunctive relief without identifying its nature. It is clear, however, that any injunctive relief that would address his complaints pertains to past conduct (denying his motions) and is not prospective.

Based on our conclusion that Judge Lang is entitled to absolute immunity, we need not reach the district court’s alternate ground for dismissal under Rule 12(b)(6). Additionally, the allegations of errors by the magistrate judge, raised for the first time in Guttman’s reply brief, are waived. See State Farm Fire & Cas. Co. v. Mhoon, 31 F.3d 979, 984 n. 7 (10th Cir.1994) (holding that the failure to raise an issue in an opening brief waives that issue). Even if these issues were not waived, we conclude Guttman’s arguments are without merit.

The judgment of the district court is AFFIRMED. We treat Guttman’s “Motion to Reconsider Acceptance of Summons” as a motion to supplement the record on appeal and DENY it as moot because the summonses appear in the record. We also DENY as moot his “Motion for Allowance of Utilization of Appendix with Reply Brief’ because the documents contained in “Plaintiff/Appellant Reply Appendix” are either duplicative of documents contained in the record or irrelevant to our disposition of this appeal.

*

This order and judgment is not binding precedent, except under the doctrines of law of the case, res judicata, and collateral estoppel. The court generally disfavors the citation of orders and judgments; nevertheless, an order and judgment may be cited under the terms and conditions of 10th Cir. R. 36.3.

1

. Rule 55(a) reads: "When a party against whom a judgment for affirmative relief is sought has failed to plead or otherwise defend[*3] as provided by these rules and that fact is made to appear by affidavit or otherwise, the clerk shall enter the party's default.” Fed. R.Civ.P. 55(a). Guttman's version of this rule, as set forth on page three of his opening brief, erroneously adds the word "judgment” after "default.” The entry of default and the entry of a judgment by default are two separate procedures. Compare Fed.R.Civ.P. 55(a) with 55(b).