Correspondent
Federal courthouse correspondent, covers civil rights, employment discrimination, housing rights, and Second Amendment disputes.
The Eleventh Circuit affirmed the dismissal of Michael Townes's complaint seeking relief from civil disabilities arising from his federal conviction. The court held that Townes lacked Article III standing and that his claims were premature under the rule established in Heck v. Humphrey.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit affirmed the denial of a habeas corpus petition filed by a Florida prisoner. The court held that the petitioner failed to demonstrate prejudice from his trial counsel's alleged failure to retain expert witnesses.
The Fourth Circuit affirmed a district court dismissal of a utility company's federal lawsuit challenging state agency penalties. The court held that the company waived its right to a jury trial and failed to state a claim that the penalties were unconstitutionally excessive.
The Seventh Circuit reversed a district court ruling that denied qualified immunity to a school district official. The court held that existing case law did not clearly establish that the official's emails to an employer constituted unlawful retaliation.
The Eighth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a civil rights claim alleging deliberate indifference to medical needs after a detainee suffered a leg amputation. The court held that the plaintiff failed to provide sufficient evidence of municipal policy or individual knowledge of the medical emergency.
The Seventh Circuit affirmed a summary judgment ruling in a sexual harassment case brought under Title VII and the Illinois Human Rights Act. While the court acknowledged that the alleged conduct could constitute a hostile work environment, it held that the employer was not negligent in its response to the complaints.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit affirmed a district court ruling dismissing a physician's wrongful termination and discrimination claims. The court held that the plaintiff failed to state valid claims under Virginia public policy and whistleblower laws, and lacked sufficient evidence to prove employment discrimination.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit affirmed in part and dismissed in part the appeal of a defendant who pled guilty to wire fraud conspiracy. The court enforced an appeal waiver in the plea agreement while finding the guilty plea valid and dismissing ineffective assistance claims that did not conclusively appear on the record.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit remanded this case to the District Court for further proceedings consistent with the Supreme Court's recent judgment. The Supreme Court previously determined that the Colorado statute regulating conversion therapy regulates speech in a viewpoint-discriminatory manner subject to strict scrutiny.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit affirmed a district court order dismissing a pro se civil commitment appeal. The appellate court found no reversible error in the dismissal for failure to comply with a prior order to submit claims on the appropriate form.
