Correspondent
Federal courthouse correspondent, covers civil rights, employment discrimination, housing rights, and Second Amendment disputes.
The Ninth Circuit reversed a district court ruling that denied qualified immunity to two law enforcement officers involved in a fatal welfare check. The appellate court held that the law was not clearly established at the time regarding the use of less-lethal force against an armed, suicidal individual.
The Ninth Circuit reversed the district court's denial of qualified immunity for two officers involved in a fatal welfare check. The court held that the law was not clearly established regarding the use of less-lethal force against an armed, suicidal individual.
The Eleventh Circuit affirmed a permanent filing injunction and dismissal against a serial litigant who failed to post a required contempt bond. However, the court reversed the denial of a motion to modify the injunction and remanded for consideration of the litigant's indigence arguments.
The Eleventh Circuit affirmed the denial of a federal habeas corpus petition filed by a death row inmate claiming a violation of his Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial. The court held that the state court's application of the Barker factors was not unreasonable under the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act.
The Sixth Circuit affirmed a summary judgment ruling in favor of a Michigan city and its clerk against a real estate developer. The court held that bureaucratic delays in processing medical marijuana permits did not violate constitutional rights or constitute a regulatory taking.
The Ninth Circuit affirmed a district court dismissal of a civil rights lawsuit against federal judges and court officials. The panel held that sovereign immunity and judicial immunity barred the plaintiff's claims.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit vacated a preliminary injunction issued by the District Court, ruling that the lower court lacked jurisdiction over specific counts in a dispute regarding exhibits at Independence National Historical Park.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has ordered a rehearing en banc in this religious liberty dispute. The three-judge panel opinion that previously decided the case is hereby vacated.
The Ninth Circuit affirmed the district court's judgment upholding the denial of supplemental security income disability benefits. The court held that an hourly five-minute break for physical limitations does not constitute a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The Ninth Circuit reversed a district court ruling that denied qualified immunity to police officers who mistakenly entered the wrong apartment. The court held that the officers' actions were not clearly established as unconstitutional under the Fourth Amendment given the exigent circumstances and lack of binding precedent.
