James Taylor

Correspondent

James Taylor

Capitol Hill correspondent, covers legislative and political stories.

Criminal Justice

Decisions covered by James Taylor

2,517 decisions
Apr 27 2026
11th Cir. 1:23-cr-20385-CMA-2 Per Curiam

United States v. Henriquez

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed convictions under the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act for drug trafficking occurring within a foreign nation's Exclusive Economic Zone. The court held that Congress possesses authority under the Felonies Clause to prosecute such conduct and that a vessel becomes subject to U.S. jurisdiction when its master fails to claim nationality.

Criminal Drug Trafficking
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Apr 27 2026
5th Cir. 25-20332 Per Curiam

United States v. Martinez

The Fifth Circuit granted an appointed attorney's motion to withdraw from representing a criminal defendant after reviewing the record and finding no non-frivolous issues for appeal. Consequently, the court dismissed the appeal and excused counsel from further responsibilities.

Anders Brief Criminal
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Apr 27 2026
11th Cir. 8:24-cr-00098-MSS-CPT-2 Per Curiam

United States v. Garcia

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed the convictions and sentences of Noel Alredo Garcia following an Anders brief filed by appointed appellate counsel. The court granted the motion to withdraw after an independent review found no arguable issues of merit in the appeal.

Anders Brief Criminal
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Apr 27 2026
5th Cir. 25-11004 Per Curiam

United States v. O'Toole

The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit granted a motion by appointed counsel to withdraw from representing the defendant. The court dismissed the appeal after finding no nonfrivolous issues for appellate review.

Anders Brief Criminal
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Apr 27 2026
11th Cir. 8:23-cr-00361-WFJ-CPT-1 Per Curiam

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. STEPHEN JAY THORN

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed a 60-month prison sentence for a defendant who made multiple interstate threats against a federal judge and her family. The court held that the district court acted within its discretion to impose an upward variance based on the premeditated and terroristic nature of the conduct, despite the defendant's arguments regarding mitigating personal history.

Criminal Sex Offenses
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Apr 27 2026
5th Cir. 25-11186 Per Curiam

United States v. Valentine

The Fifth Circuit granted the Federal Public Defender's motion to withdraw from representing Willie Ray Valentine, finding no nonfrivolous issues for appellate review. The court dismissed the appeal pursuant to Fifth Circuit Rule 42.2 after a thorough examination of the record.

Anders Brief Criminal
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Apr 27 2026
7th Cir. 24-2489 Panel Decision

United States v. Corruthers

The Seventh Circuit affirmed a 48-month above-guidelines sentence for a defendant who facilitated a straw purchase of a firearm that was subsequently used to kill a police officer. The court held that the district court did not abuse its discretion in rejecting the standard sentencing guidelines for straw purchasers due to the severe consequences of the defendant's conduct.

Criminal Firearms Violent Crimes
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Apr 27 2026
5th Cir. 25-11118 Per Curiam

United States v. Coulson

The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit granted a motion by appointed counsel to withdraw from representing the defendant. The court dismissed the appeal after finding no nonfrivolous issues for appellate review.

Anders Brief Criminal
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