11th Cir.

United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit

Every decision we've summarized from United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

Apr 17 2026
1:23-cr-00233-ECM-JTA-1 Per Curiam

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. EIBE SCOTT

The Eleventh Circuit summarily affirmed Eibe Scott's conviction for felon-in-possession, rejecting his Second Amendment challenges as foreclosed by binding precedent. The court held that its prior decision in United States v. Rozier remains controlling law despite recent Supreme Court rulings.

Apr 17 2026
7:22-cr-00472-LSC-GMB-1 Per Curiam

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. JOSHUA RICHARD POTENZA

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed the district court's order civilly committing a defendant found not guilty by reason of insanity, holding that substantial evidence supported the finding that his mental illness posed a substantial risk of bodily injury to others if released. The court concluded that the statutory criteria for continued custody were met despite the defendant's stable condition in a structured facility.

Apr 16 2026
1:22-cr-20040-JEM-1 Per Curiam

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. ANGELO MARTINEZ

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed convictions under the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act, holding that binding precedent forecloses constitutional challenges regarding the Felonies Clause and nexus requirements. The court further ruled that recent Sentencing Guidelines amendments are substantive and do not apply retroactively to reduce sentences.

Apr 16 2026
1:22-cr-20040-JEM-1 Per Curiam

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. ANGELO MARTINEZ

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed the convictions of three defendants under the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act, holding that binding precedent forecloses constitutional challenges regarding the Felonies Clause and U.S. nexus requirements. The court further ruled that recent Sentencing Guidelines amendments are substantive rather than clarifying, precluding their retroactive application to alter the defendants' sentences.

Apr 16 2026
1:22-cr-20040-JEM-1 Per Curiam

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. ANGELO MARTINEZ

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed convictions under the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act, holding that binding precedent forecloses constitutional challenges regarding the statute's validity and the lack of a U.S. nexus. The court further ruled that recent Sentencing Guidelines amendments are substantive and do not apply retroactively to alter the defendants' sentences.

Apr 16 2026
8:22-cr-00409-WFJ-SPF-1 Per Curiam

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. HECTOR CABALLERO

The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit affirmed the convictions and sentence of Hector Caballero for drug trafficking aboard a vessel. The court rejected constitutional challenges to the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act and upheld the district court's application of a captain role enhancement under the sentencing guidelines.

Apr 16 2026
0:25-cv-60039-DSL Per Curiam

Sara Meir v. Westchester Surplus Lines Insurance Company

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed the dismissal of an insurance coverage complaint, ruling that the plaintiff failed to plead sufficient facts to support a breach of contract claim under Florida law. The court further held that the district court properly denied leave to amend the complaint because the proposed amendments would have been futile given the policy's specific exclusions.

Apr 16 2026
4:24-cr-00006-AW-MAF-1 Per Curiam

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. QUANTAVIOUS HURT

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed a 42-month prison sentence for a federal inmate who stabbed a fellow prisoner with a shank, rejecting claims that the sentence was unreasonably high. The court held that the district judge properly weighed the statutory factors under 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) and the Guidelines' recommendation of ten to sixteen months against the defendant's violent conduct.