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
25-50688 Per Curiam

Saltkill v. Cavender Toyota

The Fifth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a pro se plaintiff's complaint against a car dealership and its financing arm. The court characterized the suit as patently frivolous due to the plaintiff's reliance on a personally created bill of exchange as valid payment.

Apr 29 2026
25-40280 Per Curiam

United States v. Caldera

The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit dismissed an appeal after reviewing a motion by appointed counsel to withdraw. The court agreed that the appeal presented no nonfrivolous issues for review.

Apr 29 2026
25-11130 Per Curiam

United States v. Diaz-Ortiz

The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit granted a motion by appointed counsel to withdraw from representing the defendant. The court dismissed the appeal after finding no nonfrivolous issues for appellate review.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.