Correspondent
Capitol Hill correspondent, covers legislative and political stories.
The Tenth Circuit affirmed the admission of tribal enrollment records and self-defense instructions but reversed the first-degree murder conviction due to a jury instruction error. The court remanded the case with instructions to vacate the murder conviction and conduct further proceedings.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit affirmed the district court's denial of a federal prisoner's petition challenging the execution of her sentence. The appellate court found that the petitioner failed to exhaust her administrative remedies and did not demonstrate that exhaustion would have been futile.
The Seventh Circuit affirmed the conviction of a felon for possessing a firearm found in his vehicle. The court held that the traffic stop was supported by reasonable suspicion and that the evidence was sufficient to prove constructive possession.
The Tenth Circuit vacated a special condition of supervised release prohibiting a defendant from viewing adult pornography. The court found the restriction lacked a rational basis in the evidence and was not reasonably necessary to protect the public.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit reversed the district court's denial of a habeas corpus petition, holding that a noncitizen detained inside the United States pending removal proceedings is eligible for a bond hearing under 8 United States Code Section 1226(a).
The Eighth Circuit affirmed a conviction for methamphetamine distribution after the district court refused to give a duress jury instruction. The court held that the defendant failed to prove the threats were immediate or that he lacked a reasonable legal alternative to committing the crimes.
The Eleventh Circuit affirmed a 120-month sentence for human smuggling and firearm possession, rejecting the defendant's claim of substantive unreasonableness. The court held that the district court adequately explained its upward variance and that the sentence remained well below the statutory maximum.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit dismissed an appeal filed by David Hill regarding a denial of relief in a federal habeas corpus proceeding. The court ruled that the appeal was dismissed for lack of jurisdiction because the notice of appeal was not filed within the required time limit.
The Eighth Circuit affirmed the wire fraud and conspiracy convictions of a former general manager of a telemarketing company. The court found sufficient evidence that the defendant knowingly participated in a scheme to deceive consumers into purchasing new magazine subscriptions.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit affirmed a district court dismissal of a civil action for lack of standing. The appellate court also upheld the denial of leave to amend the complaint.
