Every decision we've summarized from United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.
The Eleventh Circuit affirmed a defendant's sentence, ruling that an attempt to commit New York second-degree robbery qualifies as a crime of violence under the Sentencing Guidelines. This decision relies on a 2023 amendment that explicitly includes inchoate offenses within the definition of a crime of violence.
The Eleventh Circuit reversed the district court's denial of qualified immunity to a sheriff's deputy sued for drunk driving that caused a fatal collision. The court held that existing circuit precedent did not clearly establish that such conduct violated the Constitution, shielding the deputy from federal liability.
The Eleventh Circuit affirmed summary judgment for county sheriffs sued under the ADA and Rehabilitation Act, ruling that the plaintiff failed to prove intentional discrimination required for monetary damages. The court also held that the plaintiff's claims for injunctive relief were moot because he was no longer incarcerated.
The Eleventh Circuit affirmed a district court's grant of summary judgment to MetLife, holding that the insurer's denial of accidental death benefits was not arbitrary or capricious. The court ruled that the insured's pre-existing chronic lung disease contributed to her death, triggering a specific illness exclusion in the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Act policy.
The Eleventh Circuit affirmed Stefan Zappey's conviction for sexually abusing children at a Department of Defense school in Germany, ruling that the district court properly limited expert testimony on memory reliability. The court held that while general science on memory is admissible, experts cannot opine on witness credibility or present cumulative testimony that duplicates other evidence.
The Eleventh Circuit vacated a preliminary injunction that had prohibited the City of Atlanta from enforcing a residency requirement for referendum signature gatherers. The court held that under controlling Georgia state law, the plaintiffs lacked the right to utilize a referendum petition to challenge a local ordinance, thereby failing to demonstrate the irreparable harm necessary for injunctive relief.
The Eleventh Circuit vacated Abdoulaye Barry's sentence because the district court failed to make individualized findings regarding the scope of his jointly undertaken criminal activity before holding him accountable for his codefendants' losses. The court remanded the case for resentencing to correct the loss calculation and a clerical error in the criminal judgment.
The Eleventh Circuit affirmed summary judgment for YouTube and Google, holding that their copyright management tools do not constitute actual or red flag knowledge of infringement under the DMCA. The court further ruled that YouTube's general ability to moderate content does not amount to the right and ability to control infringing activity required to lose safe harbor protection.
The Eleventh Circuit affirmed summary judgment against Corpay, Inc. for deceptive advertising and unfair billing practices under the FTC Act. However, the court reversed the judgment against CEO Ronald Clarke on one count, ruling that the FTC failed to prove he had knowledge of the specific 'Fuel Only' advertising claims.
The Eleventh Circuit denied a petition for review of the Board of Immigration Appeals' decision rejecting asylum and Convention Against Torture claims by Colombian nationals. The court held that substantial evidence supported the agency's finding that the Colombian government did not acquiesce to FARC violence and that the petitioner failed to meet procedural requirements for an ineffective assistance of counsel claim.