4th Cir.

United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

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

Apr 23 2026
26-1020 Per Curiam

In re LISA RICHARDSON HENDERSON

The Fourth Circuit denied Lisa Richardson Henderson's petition for a writ of mandamus, ruling that such relief is an extraordinary remedy reserved for clear rights where no adequate alternative means exist. The court reasoned that the requested orders to enforce attorney admission and correct procedural violations cannot substitute for a direct appeal, which remains the proper vehicle for challenging bankruptcy court decisions.

Bankruptcy Civil
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Apr 22 2026
24-1900 Panel Decision

Baby Doe v. Mast

The Fourth Circuit affirmed a district court protective order prohibiting defendants from disclosing the identities of Afghan plaintiffs who aided U.S. efforts. The court held that while the order is a content-based prior restraint, it satisfies strict scrutiny by serving the compelling government interest in national security.

Civil Civil Rights - Employment
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Apr 22 2026
23-7116 Panel Decision

White v. Warden of Fed. Corr. Inst. - Cumberland

The Fourth Circuit denied a petition for panel rehearing in a First Step Act time credit dispute, upholding the original ruling that denied sentence credits. The majority rejected the petitioner's new claim of participation in psychological programming as inconsistent with his prior litigation positions and insufficient to meet statutory requirements.

Constitutional Habeas Corpus - Federal Prisoner (28 USC 2255)
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Apr 22 2026
24-4530 Per Curiam

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. GREGORY LARGENT

The Fourth Circuit affirmed the revocation of Gregory Largent's supervised release and his 18-month prison sentence, rejecting his claim that the district court erred by modifying a contact condition without a separate hearing. The court held that Largent failed to demonstrate plain error, as he had counsel and an opportunity to present evidence during the proceeding.

Criminal Plain Error Review Sentencing Guidelines Supervised Release
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Apr 22 2026
24-7215 Panel Decision

PATRICK NICHOLS v. N. BUMGARNER, Montgomery County Police Officer Defendant –

The Fourth Circuit vacated a district court dismissal of a pro se excessive force complaint, ruling that the lower court applied an overly strict pleading standard and failed to include a second officer as a defendant. The appellate court held that the plaintiff's allegations, accepted as true, sufficiently stated a plausible claim under the Fourth Amendment's reasonableness test.

Civil Rights - Section 1983 Criminal Embezzlement & Forgery Qualified Immunity
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