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

1,080 decisions
Apr 28 2026
7th Cir. 25-1562 Panel Decision

KIMBERLY BALLARD v. AMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY

The Seventh Circuit vacated a dismissal of an ADA claim because the district court failed to address the plaintiff's argument for equitable tolling. While the court affirmed that the plaintiff's initial intake form did not count as a statutory charge, it ordered a remand to determine if the agency's confusing communications warranted extending the filing deadline.

Civil Civil Rights - Employment Summary Judgment
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Apr 27 2026
10th Cir. 1:23-CV-01241-CNS-SBP Panel Decision

Martinez v. City of Aurora, Colorado, et al.

The Tenth Circuit reversed the district court's denial of the City of Aurora's motion to dismiss, holding that an officer on administrative leave lacked the actual authority required to act under color of law. The court clarified that under the Supreme Court's decision in Lindke v. Freed, apparent authority or subjective belief is insufficient to establish state action for a Section 1983 claim.

Civil Civil Rights - Section 1983
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Apr 27 2026
10th Cir. 2:24-CV-02073-HLT-ADM Panel Decision

Borsody v. Federal Express Corporation

The Tenth Circuit affirmed the district court's order enforcing a handwritten settlement term sheet between an employee and her employer. The appellate panel held that the appellant failed to provide reasoned arguments or legal authority to challenge the district court's discretion in enforcing the agreement.

Civil Civil Rights - Employment
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Apr 27 2026
10th Cir. 6:23-CV-01091-HLT Panel Decision

Ward v. Wesley Medical Center, et al.

The Tenth Circuit affirmed summary judgment for Wesley Medical Center, ruling that the plaintiff failed to prove discrimination or retaliation under the ADA and FMLA. The court held that the plaintiff could not establish causation because he did not timely provide medical documentation and failed to respond to employer requests for verification.

Civil Civil Rights - Employment Summary Judgment
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Apr 27 2026
5th Cir. 25-40571 Per Curiam

Semien v. Bergman

The Fifth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of Erwin Eugene Semien's civil rights complaint, ruling that he abandoned several claims and failed to adequately allege constitutional violations. The court held that Semien did not state a claim for due process or equal protection because he lacked a protected property interest and failed to identify specific comparators.

Constitutional Fourteenth Amendment - Due Process Fourteenth Amendment - Equal Protection
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Apr 27 2026
5th Cir. 25-10946 Per Curiam

Salvador Jimenez v. Eric Guerrero

The Fifth Circuit dismissed Salvador Jimenez's appeal because he failed to file a notice of appeal within the mandatory deadline set by the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. The court held that this jurisdictional requirement applies strictly, regardless of the prisoner's request to proceed in forma pauperis or any claims of good faith.

Civil Civil Rights - PLRA / Prisoner
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Apr 27 2026
4th Cir. 25-2465 Per Curiam

Williams v. Smith

The Fourth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of Karen Williams' housing authority lawsuits due to her failure to properly serve the defendants. Because her informal appellate brief did not challenge the specific grounds for dismissal, she forfeited the right to appellate review of those rulings.

Civil Civil Rights - Housing Forfeiture / Penalty
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Apr 27 2026
4th Cir. 25-2425 Per Curiam

ANTHONY GLENN JAMES v. JOHN SONNENDECKER, ATF Agent; CHRISTOPHER SCOTT LIETZOW, U.S Attorney; JANET CARRA HENDERSON U.S Attorney; WILLIAM CROCKETTE, Charleston P.D. - ATF Liasion

The Fourth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a plaintiff's Bivens claim, ruling that the complaint failed to allege sufficient facts to establish a cognizable constitutional violation. The court further held that the U.S. Attorneys involved were protected by absolute prosecutorial immunity from liability.

Civil Civil Rights - Section 1983
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