9th Cir.

United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

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

Feb 11 2025
3:22-cv-00244- Published

K. J., a minor, by and through his guardian ad litem, Kasey L. Johnson v. Doctor LAMONT A. JACKSON

The Ninth Circuit reversed summary judgment, holding that school officials violated a high school student's due process rights by extending his suspension based on new charges without providing notice or a hearing. The court further ruled that the officials are not entitled to qualified immunity and that the student has standing to seek expungement of the disciplinary records.

Civil Civil Rights - Section 1983 Qualified Immunity Summary Judgment
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Feb 10 2025
23-4240 Unanimous

Luis Alberto Perez-Perez; M.E.P.-B.; Aury Fabiola Barrera-Godoy; M.N.P.-B v. Pamela Bondi, Attorney General

The Ninth Circuit held that listing family members by their agency "A" numbers in a petition for review satisfies the Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure requirement to name all parties. The court rejected the government's request to amend the caption, ruling that "A" numbers provide sufficient notice of identity without foreclosing meritorious claims on technicalities.

Civil Immigration (Civil)
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Feb 10 2025
3:19-cr-05000- Published

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. LAMAR ALLEN THOMPSON

The Ninth Circuit affirmed a 28-year federal sentence for child pornography production, ruling that a prior Washington child molestation conviction triggers a statutory ten-year mandatory minimum enhancement. The court also rejected an unpreserved argument that the district court erred by declining to recommend concurrent service with anticipated state sentences.

Child Sexual Abuse Material Criminal Mandatory Minimum Supervised Release
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Jan 28 2025
2:23-cm-00228- Published

In re Grand Jury Subpoena, dated July 21, 2023

The Ninth Circuit reversed a district court order compelling a law firm to submit a privilege log to the government, holding that such a log would violate the client's Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination. The court ruled that when documents are protected under Fisher v. United States, an in camera review by the judge is generally required before any disclosure can be made.

Constitutional Fifth Amendment - Self-Incrimination
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Jan 21 2025
1:15-cv-00321- Published

G.P.P., INC., doing business as Guardian Innovative Solutions v. GUARDIAN PROTECTION PRODUCTS, INC.; RPM WOOD FINISHES GROUP, INC

The Ninth Circuit affirmed a district court's award of over $4 million in attorney's fees to G.P.P., Inc. but reversed the denial of fees to RPM Wood Finishes Group regarding abandoned claims. The panel held that a plaintiff's failure to litigate claims does not constitute a voluntary dismissal under California law without clear, express notice to the court.

Civil Contract
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Jan 15 2025
8:23-cv-01798 Published

Carralero v. Bonta

The Ninth Circuit panel denied petitions for rehearing in a Second Amendment case involving California and Hawaii gun carry restrictions. Dissenting judges argued the panel failed to apply proper historical standards and effectively nullified the right to bear arms in public.

Firearms
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Jan 14 2025
4:23-cv-01196- Published

TANGLE, INC v. ARITZIA, INC.; ARITZIA LP; UNITED STATES OF ARITZIA, INC

The Ninth Circuit reversed the dismissal of a copyright claim involving kinetic sculptures, holding that their ability to assume multiple poses does not prevent them from being fixed in a tangible medium. However, the court affirmed the dismissal of a trade dress claim because the plaintiff failed to provide adequate notice of the specific elements of the alleged trade dress.

Civil Intellectual Property
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