Every decision we've summarized from United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
The Fourth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of Brandon Otha Martin's civil rights complaint, ruling that he failed to state a plausible claim for relief. The court found no reversible error in the district court's adoption of the magistrate judge's recommendation and denied Martin's motions for appointed counsel.
The Fourth Circuit vacated summary judgment in a Fourth Amendment excessive force case, holding that genuine disputes of material fact exist regarding the reasonableness of a vehicle ramming and shooting. The court ruled that a reasonable jury could find the force used was not objectively justified given the suspect was unarmed and the circumstances did not pose an immediate threat.
The Fourth Circuit denied a certificate of appealability and dismissed Edward Moore, Jr.'s appeal from his § 2255 denial because he failed to make a substantial showing that reasonable jurists could find the district court's assessment debatable or wrong. The court independently reviewed the record and found no constitutional error warranting further review, leaving the district court's denial of relief in place.
The Fourth Circuit dismissed an appeal by former employees challenging a district court order that maintained a stay of litigation pending arbitration. The court held that the order was not appealable because it effectively directed the parties to proceed with arbitration rather than denying a motion to compel it.
The Fourth Circuit affirmed the enforcement of a Danish arbitral award against a U.S. subcontractor, rejecting arguments that applying Danish law violated U.S. public policy. The court held that the arbitration panel was properly composed under the parties' agreement and that the appellant failed to meet the heavy burden required to invoke the public policy exception.
The Fourth Circuit vacated the preliminary injunction barring U.S. DOGE Service access to Social Security Administration records, reasoning that the plaintiffs likely lacked standing and failed to demonstrate irreparable harm under the Administrative Procedure Act. The…