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 1 2026
8:21-cv-00167-WFJ-SPF Per Curiam

Michael Henderson v. Secretary, Department of Corrections, Attorney General, State of Florida

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed the denial of Michael Henderson's federal habeas petition, ruling that his trial counsel's performance did not fall below an objective standard of reasonableness. The court found no reasonable probability that securing Richardson hearings or deposing a detective would have altered the outcome of Henderson's capital sexual battery conviction.

Constitutional Habeas Corpus - General (28 USC 2241) Habeas Corpus - State Prisoner (28 USC 2254) Sixth Amendment - Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
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Apr 1 2026
7:23-cv-01379-ACA Per Curiam

Cunningham v. Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc.

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed summary judgment for the defendants, holding that the appellant abandoned her primary discrimination and retaliation claims by failing to raise them in her initial appellate brief. The court further ruled that claims regarding disability discrimination and hostile work environment were not preserved for appeal because they were not raised in the district court.

Civil Civil Rights - Employment Summary Judgment
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Apr 1 2026
9:24-cv-81145-AMC Per Curiam

Wright v. 15th District Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed the dismissal of Sean Wright's Section 1983 claims, holding that the State Attorney's Office is an arm of the state entitled to Eleventh Amendment immunity. The court further upheld the dismissal of claims against the Sheriff's Office and individual officers because Wright failed to allege sufficient facts to establish Article III standing or liability under Monell.

Civil Civil Rights - Section 1983 Qualified Immunity
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Mar 31 2026
3:24-cr-00112-TKW-1 Per Curiam

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. RAFAEL SANCHEZ-DE LA ROSA

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed a 46-month prison sentence for illegal reentry after removal, rejecting arguments that a sentencing enhancement for a post-removal DUI was applied in error. The court held that the enhancement was proper under the Sentencing Guidelines and that the sentence was substantively reasonable given the defendant's history of impaired driving.

Criminal Immigration (Criminal) Plain Error Review Sentencing Guidelines
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Mar 31 2026
8:24-cv-01528-SDM-AEP Per Curiam

JAMES M. HEYWARD v. DIANA MORELAND

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a federal lawsuit challenging a state court foreclosure judgment, ruling that the Rooker-Feldman doctrine bars federal courts from acting as appellate bodies over state court decisions. The court further held that absolute judicial immunity protects state judges from liability for official acts, even when the plaintiff alleges the judge lacked a proper oath of office.

Civil Civil Rights - Voting
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Mar 31 2026
4:24-cr-00039-CDL-CHW-1 Per Curiam

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. ANTONIO BELL

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed Antonio Bell's 165-month sentence, ruling that the district court correctly applied a four-level sentencing enhancement for possessing a firearm in connection with methamphetamine distribution. The court further held that the sentence was substantively reasonable because the district court properly weighed the statutory factors under 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a).

Criminal Drug Trafficking Firearms Sentencing Guidelines
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