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.

Mar 17 2026
25-50635 Per Curiam

Phillips v. Texas Workforce Commission

The Fifth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of Robert Phillips' pro se complaint, holding that his allegations failed to state plausible claims for relief under federal civil rights statutes. The court concluded that Phillips did not adequately allege discrimination based on race or a protected characteristic, as his termination was allegedly motivated by his refusal to purchase illegal drugs.

Civil Civil Rights - Employment
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Mar 17 2026
25-20441 Per Curiam

Summary Calendar Michael Wayne Singletary Plaintiff— v. SWBC Mortgage Corporation; Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation

The Fifth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a pro se plaintiff's lawsuit alleging wrongful mortgage transfer, rejecting the argument that failure to record a loan transfer voids the debt. The court held that the plaintiff's reliance on non-existent case law and abandoned legal theories provided no basis to overturn the district court's ruling.

Civil Contract
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Mar 17 2026
25-60469 Per Curiam

Flores Sanchez v. Bondi

The Fifth Circuit affirmed the denial of asylum, withholding of removal, and Convention Against Torture protection because the petitioner failed to prove a nexus between his alleged persecution and his proposed social group. The court also held it lacked jurisdiction to review the denial of a motion for continuance.

Civil Immigration (Civil)
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Mar 17 2026
25-20148 Per Curiam

United States v. Barlow

The Fifth Circuit affirmed the denial of Douglas Lee Barlow's motion for compassionate release, finding no abuse of discretion in the district court's weighing of sentencing factors. The court further held that defendants seeking sentence reductions under 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A)(i) have no constitutional or statutory right to appointed counsel.

Compassionate Release Criminal
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Mar 17 2026
25-10563 Per Curiam

United States v. Robinson

The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit affirmed the conviction of a defendant charged with felon in possession of a firearm. The court held that the defendant's Second Amendment challenges to the federal statute were foreclosed by existing precedent.

Criminal Firearms
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Mar 17 2026
25-10999 Per Curiam

In the Matter of Highland Capital Management, L.P. Debtor Dugaboy Investment Trust v. Highland Capital Management, L.P.; Highland Claimant Trust

The Fifth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of an adversary complaint seeking an accounting of assets from a bankruptcy claimant trust. The court held that the appellant, holding only a contingent and unvested trust interest, lacked standing to demand disclosure under the trust agreement's clear terms.

Bankruptcy Civil Motion to Dismiss
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