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 8 2026
4:24-cr-00044-MW-MAF-1 Per Curiam

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. WHITFIELD LELAND, III

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed a 264-month sentence for Hobbs Act robbery, holding that the defendant's 2011 Florida aggravated assault conviction properly qualified as a violent felony under the Armed Career Criminal Act. The court rejected the defendant's argument that a recent Supreme Court decision undermined the binding precedent establishing that Florida assault statutes require a knowing mens rea.

Criminal Firearms
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Apr 7 2026
1:22-cr-00388-VMC-1 Published

STATE OF GEORGIA v. ERIC HEINZE

The Eleventh Circuit dismissed the State of Georgia's appeal for lack of jurisdiction, declining to rule on whether a federal district court can grant a limited remand to allow a state to seek a superseding indictment. The court held that the district court's denial of the motion was not a final, appealable order under the collateral order doctrine or the injunction statute.

Criminal Violent Crimes
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Apr 7 2026
24-11260 Published

JEFFREY HAYES v. DIRECTOR, OWCP UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR COWIN & COMPANY, INC

The Eleventh Circuit vacated a Benefits Review Board decision, clarifying that the Black Lung Benefits Act does not require a miner to prove employment for a full 365-day calendar year to count as a year of service. Instead, the court held that working 125 days in coal mines during a calendar year is sufficient to establish a year of employment for benefit eligibility.

Administrative / Agency Review Civil
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Apr 7 2026
1:21-cv-01850-MLB Published

KENNY FAULK v. DIMERCO EXPRESS USA CORP

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed a racial discrimination verdict against a transportation company that rescinded a job offer based on the applicant's race. The court held that the district court properly cured counsel misconduct and that the damages awarded were supported by evidence and not unconstitutionally excessive.

Civil Civil Rights - Employment
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Apr 7 2026
0:21-cr-60213-RS-3 Per Curiam

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. JUAN CARLOS AGUIAR PARADA

The Eleventh Circuit vacated a district court's denial of a compassionate release motion because the lower court failed to apply the correct standard for determining if a defendant is the only available caregiver. The court held that this determination requires a fact-intensive inquiry into whether any other person is qualified and free to provide care.

Compassionate Release Criminal Sentencing Guidelines
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Apr 7 2026
1:24-cv-00016-CG-B Per Curiam

JONATHON HOWARD BECK v. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed the denial of Jonathon Howard Beck's habeas motion, ruling that the record conclusively showed he received effective assistance of counsel. The court held that Beck's sworn statements during his plea colloquy created a formidable barrier to his claim that he did not understand his mandatory minimum sentences.

Constitutional Habeas Corpus - Federal Prisoner (28 USC 2255) Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Guidelines
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Apr 7 2026
3:21-cv-01062-TJC-MCR Per Curiam

Michael V. Smith v. Pepsi Bottling Group, et al.

The Eleventh Circuit vacated the district court's dismissal of a pro se plaintiff's Title VII discrimination and retaliation claims. The appellate court held that the amended complaint related back to the original filing and that the district court applied the wrong legal standard by requiring a prima facie case at the motion to dismiss stage.

Civil Civil Rights - Employment Motion to Dismiss
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Apr 7 2026
8:23-cr-00140-KKM-AAS-1 Per Curiam

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. GERARD ERIC BEASLEY

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed Gerard Eric Beasley's conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, ruling that the Second Amendment does not protect felons from such bans. The court also held that any error in admitting a second confession was harmless because the firearm would have been inevitably discovered through lawful means.

Criminal Firearms
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