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.

Apr 24 2026
3:24-cv-00429-CAB-DEB Unpublished

Fitzhugh v. United States

The Ninth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of Jeffery Lee Fitzhugh's Federal Tort Claims Act lawsuit, ruling that his administrative claim was filed more than two years after the incident and lacked the necessary facts for equitable tolling. The court also upheld the district court's denial of leave to file a second amended complaint because Fitzhugh failed to cure identified deficiencies despite prior opportunities.

Civil Tort / Personal Injury
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Apr 24 2026
4:23-cv-00094-RCC Unpublished

PELTZ, ET AL. V. BRYSON, ET AL.

The Ninth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a First Amendment challenge to courthouse videorecording bans, holding that the restrictions were reasonable and viewpoint-neutral in nonpublic forums. The court found the plaintiffs failed to plausibly allege facts showing the prohibitions violated their constitutional rights.

Civil Civil Rights - Section 1983
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Apr 24 2026
25-2526 Unpublished

DEO V. BLANCHE

The Ninth Circuit denied Roneel Deo's petition for review, upholding the Board of Immigration Appeals' classification of his criminal threats conviction as a particularly serious crime. This ruling confirms Deo's ineligibility for asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture.

Civil Immigration (Civil)
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Apr 24 2026
23-878 Unpublished

CHEN V. BLANCHE

The Ninth Circuit denied Longcai Chen's petition for review, upholding the Board of Immigration Appeals' adverse credibility determination regarding his asylum claims. The court found that Chen's false statements in a 2016 visa application, combined with his voluntary return to China and inconsistent testimony, provided substantial evidence to support the denial of relief.

Civil Immigration (Civil)
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Apr 24 2026
2:22-cv-00144-TOR Unpublished

GARDNER V. RODRIGUEZ, ET AL.

The Ninth Circuit affirmed summary judgment against state defendants in a Section 1983 suit, holding that states and their agencies are not 'persons' subject to suit under the federal statute. The court also upheld the district court's decision to remand state law claims against an individual defendant to state court while retaining jurisdiction over state claims against the state itself.

Civil Civil Rights - Section 1983 Summary Judgment
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Apr 24 2026
20-71018 Unpublished

CARLOS CALDERON BRITO V. TODD BLANCHE

The Ninth Circuit denied a petition for review of the Board of Immigration Appeals' order denying asylum, withholding of removal, and Convention Against Torture protection. The court limited its analysis strictly to the specific grounds relied upon by the agency, refusing to address unchallenged issues regarding government inability or past harm.

Civil Immigration (Civil)
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Apr 23 2026
2:23-cv-03401- Published

Petrey v. Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd.

The Ninth Circuit vacated summary judgment on a maritime negligence claim because expert testimony created a genuine dispute over whether a cruise line knew its bathroom design was unreasonably dangerous. However, the court affirmed summary judgment on a negligence per se claim because a movable shower curtain does not qualify as a prohibited obstruction under applicable plumbing codes.

Civil Securities Summary Judgment
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Apr 23 2026
19399-23L Unpublished

VARELA V. COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE

The Ninth Circuit affirmed the Tax Court's summary judgment upholding a frivolous filing penalty and a separate sanction against Ruben Varela. The court rejected Varela's arguments that income tax liability depends on receiving a governmental privilege and found no abuse of discretion in the sanctions imposed for pursuing meritless positions.

Civil Summary Judgment Tax (Civil)
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