5th Cir.

United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit

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

Apr 29 2026
25-10942 Per Curiam

Jackson v. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center School of Medicine

The Fifth Circuit affirmed summary judgment for the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, holding that a former medical student failed to prove she was qualified for the program or that the school denied reasonable accommodations. The court ruled that academic dismissal based on legitimate deficiencies does not constitute discrimination under Title VI, the ADA, or the Rehabilitation Act.

Civil Civil Rights - Employment Summary Judgment
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Apr 29 2026
25-40368 Panel Decision

United States of America ex rel. Jack Palmer, Jr v. Tata Consulting Services, Ltd Defendant—

The Fifth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a qui tam action under the False Claims Act, holding that an employer has no established duty to pay higher visa fees for visa types it never applied for. The court further ruled that failing to withhold taxes on underpaid wages does not constitute a reverse false claim because the obligation to transmit money to the Treasury arises only after wages are actually paid.

Civil Labor
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Apr 28 2026
25-40725 Per Curiam

United States v. Bello

The Fifth Circuit affirmed the denial of a federal prisoner's motion for compassionate release because he was sentenced after the relevant sentencing guideline amendment took effect. The court also dismissed the defendant's appeal regarding a final forfeiture order, ruling that he lacked standing since his property rights were already settled by the preliminary forfeiture order.

Compassionate Release Criminal Forfeiture / Penalty Standing
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Apr 28 2026
25-40384 Per Curiam

United States v. Lubiano-Vidales

The Fifth Circuit granted appointed counsel's motion to withdraw and dismissed the appeal after finding no nonfrivolous issues for review. The court's decision confirms that the district court's judgment remains in effect while excusing the defendant from further appellate proceedings.

Anders Brief Criminal
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Apr 28 2026
25-30475 Per Curiam

United States v. Vargas-Duque

The Fifth Circuit granted appointed counsel's motion to withdraw and dismissed the appeal after finding no nonfrivolous issues for review. The court concurred with the attorney's assessment that the case presented no grounds for appellate relief under the Anders standard.

Anders Brief Criminal
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Apr 28 2026
25-30192 Per Curiam

United States of America v. Julius Augillard

The Fifth Circuit affirmed Julius Augillard's 70-month sentence, ruling that his prior state conviction qualified as a controlled substance offense under the realistic probability test. However, the court vacated part of the judgment because the district court failed to orally pronounce a discretionary supervised release condition that appeared in the written order.

Criminal Drug Trafficking Sentencing Guidelines Supervised Release
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Apr 28 2026
25-11133 Per Curiam

United States v. Diaz, Jr.

The Fifth Circuit granted an appointed attorney's motion to withdraw and dismissed the defendant's appeal after finding no nonfrivolous issues for review. The court concurred with the attorney's assessment that the case lacked arguable grounds for reversal under the *Anders* standard.

Anders Brief Criminal
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Apr 28 2026
25-11031 Per Curiam

United States v. Negron-Cardona

The Fifth Circuit granted the Federal Public Defender's motion to withdraw from representing Jose Negron-Cardona after reviewing the case record. The court dismissed the appeal, finding no nonfrivolous issues for appellate review under the standard set in Anders v. California.

Anders Brief Criminal
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