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Because we conclude that the district court properly construed Stamps' complaint as a § 2254 habeas corpus application, Stamps cannot appeal the district court's denial of that application until he obtains a certificate of appealability ("COA"). See 28 U.S.C. § 2253(c)(1)(A) (providing that no appeal may be taken from a final order disposing of a § 2254 petition unless the petitioner first obtains a COA). To be entitled to a COA, Stamps must show "that jurists of reason would find it debatable whether the district court was correct in its procedural ruling." Slack v. McDaniel, 529 U.S. 474, 484-85 (2000) (holding that when a district court dismisses a habeas petition on procedural grounds, a petitioner is entitled to a COA only if he shows both that reasonable jurists would find it debatable whether he had stated a valid constitutional claim and debatable whether the district court's procedural ruling was correct). Our review of the record demonstrates that the district court's dismissal of Stamps' § 2254 application is not deserving of further proceedings or subject to a different resolution on appeal. Accordingly, this court denies Stamps a COA and dismisses this appeal. Stamps' motion to proceed in forma pauperis on appeal is granted. All other outstanding motions are denied.

Entered for the Court

DOUGLAS E. CRESSLER, Acting Clerk of Court

By

Deputy Clerk

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