Aisha Johnson

Correspondent

Aisha Johnson

Federal courthouse correspondent, covers civil rights, employment discrimination, housing rights, and Second Amendment disputes.

Civil Rights & Constitutional

Decisions covered by Aisha Johnson

1,757 decisions
Apr 2 2026
6th Cir. 24-1751 Published

BARBARA JEAN MERCER v. ANTHONY STEWART, Warden

The Sixth Circuit reversed the district court's grant of habeas relief, holding that the state court's refusal to provide a defense-of-others jury instruction was not objectively unreasonable under AEDPA standards. The court concluded that the evidence did not support a reasonable inference that the petitioner acted to protect others from imminent harm, rendering the instructional error harmless beyond a reasonable doubt.

Constitutional Habeas Corpus - State Prisoner (28 USC 2254) Sixth Amendment - Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
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Apr 2 2026
5th Cir. 25-60269 Panel Decision

United States of America v. Lexus Sanchez Weaver

The Fifth Circuit reversed a district court's suppression order, holding that a search warrant affidavit supported by three controlled drug buys was not a bare-bones document. The court also remanded the case for a new determination on whether the defendant implicitly waived his Miranda rights during a custodial interview.

Civil Civil Rights - Voting
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Apr 2 2026
6th Cir. 24-1707 Published

BARBARA JEAN MERCER v. ANTHONY STEWART, Warden

The Sixth Circuit reversed the district court's grant of habeas relief, holding that the state court's refusal to provide a defense-of-others jury instruction was not objectively unreasonable under AEDPA standards. The court found no constitutional violation in the trial proceedings regarding the jury instructions or other claims, thereby reinstating Mercer's conviction and denying her federal relief.

Constitutional Habeas Corpus - State Prisoner (28 USC 2254) Sixth Amendment - Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
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Apr 2 2026
5th Cir. 25-20062 Per Curiam

Brown v. American First National Bank

The Fifth Circuit affirmed summary judgment for American First National Bank, ruling that the Browns failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove racial discrimination under 42 U.S.C. § 1981. The court held that the plaintiffs' allegations were speculative and did not allow a reasonable jury to infer that the bank's refusal to open accounts was motivated by race rather than legitimate business concerns.

Civil Civil Rights - Employment Summary Judgment
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Apr 2 2026
9th Cir. 8:21-cv-01317-DOC-DFM Unpublished

CHARLES HEAD v. Officer J. ROCHA, individual; KENNETH CHIN, individual; Police Officer QUINN individual; Officer C. MCPHAIL, Officer Badge no. A171 La Habra Police Department

The Ninth Circuit affirmed summary judgment for police officers in a civil rights action, ruling that the plaintiff's own deposition testimony defeated his claims of evidence fabrication and malicious prosecution. The court held that the plaintiff's admission that he failed to register his weapon as required by law established probable cause for his arrest, which serves as a complete defense to both constitutional torts.

Civil Civil Rights - Section 1983 Summary Judgment
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Apr 2 2026
9th Cir. 6:22-cv-00496-MO Unpublished

ROBIN R. GILLILAND v. Linn County Deputy EASON; Linn County Deputy LEDERER; Linn County Deputy Lt D. RANDALL

The Ninth Circuit reversed summary judgment on Gilliland's Eighth Amendment excessive-force claim against Deputy Eason, finding a genuine dispute of material fact regarding force used during transport. The court affirmed judgment for all other claims, including those against Deputy Lederer and Lieutenant Randall, while remanding the excessive-force claim for trial.

Civil Civil Rights - Section 1983 Fourth Amendment - Search & Seizure Qualified Immunity
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Apr 2 2026
9th Cir. 20-72157 Published

SUSIE ESKILIAN v. PAMELA BONDI, Attorney General

The Ninth Circuit vacated the Board of Immigration Appeals' denial of a stateless immigrant's motion to reopen removal proceedings, ruling that the agency applied an incorrect diligence standard. The court held that individuals born in the Soviet era who are deemed stateless reasonably begin challenging removal only after learning they are no longer protected from deportation.

Civil Immigration (Civil) Sixth Amendment - Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
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Apr 2 2026
8th Cir. 24-3261 Panel Decision

Michael Cunningham v. Trooper Amanda Kahler

The Eighth Circuit affirmed the denial of sovereign immunity against a state superintendent in his official capacity, ruling that Missouri law does not waive immunity for prospective relief regarding expunged records. The court held that while the state cannot be sued for damages, the superintendent remains subject to suit to prevent future dissemination of expunged convictions that lead to unlawful arrests.

Civil Civil Rights - Section 1983 Fourth Amendment - Search & Seizure Qualified Immunity
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Apr 2 2026
8th Cir. 24-3181 Panel Decision

Designworks Homes, Inc.; Charles Lawrence James v. Columbia House of Brokers Realty, Inc., doing business as House of Brokers, Inc doing business as Jackie Bulgin & Associates;...

The Eighth Circuit affirmed a district court's award of attorney's fees against a plaintiff for bringing unnecessarily overbroad copyright infringement claims. The court held that the lower court acted within its broad discretion to deter litigation strategies that do not serve the purposes of the Copyright Act.

Civil Civil Rights - Employment Summary Judgment
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Apr 2 2026
7th Cir. 24-1612 Panel Decision

Stingley v. Laci Transport Inc.

The Seventh Circuit affirmed summary judgment for shuttle truck drivers transporting auto parts, holding their intrastate routes fell within the Fair Labor Standards Act's motor carrier exemption. The court ruled that moving goods from out-of-state storage lots to a Chicago assembly plant was part of a continuous interstate journey.

Civil Labor
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