2nd Cir.

United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit

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

Nov 1 2024
23-905 Panel Decision

Structured Asset Sales, LLC v. Sheeran

The Second Circuit affirmed summary judgment, holding that the Copyright Act of 1909 protects only the musical composition defined by the deposited sheet music, excluding audio recording elements. The court further ruled that the alleged combination of a four-chord progression and syncopated harmonic rhythm lacks sufficient originality for copyright protection as a matter of law.

Civil Intellectual Property Summary Judgment
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Nov 1 2024
23-1080 Panel Decision

Schiebel v. Schoharie Central School District

The Second Circuit reversed the dismissal of a Title IX claim, holding that a school district's investigation into a male educator could plausibly constitute sex discrimination. The court found the complaint sufficiently detailed to support allegations of a sham investigation and sex-based bias by the Title IX coordinator.

Civil Civil Rights - Employment
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Oct 30 2024
23-612 Panel Decision

Ferreira v. Aviles-Ramos

The Second Circuit held that district courts must independently evaluate equitable factors in IDEA reimbursement cases rather than deferring to state administrative agencies. Although the court found the district court initially erred by deferring to the IHO and SRO, it affirmed the judgment because the lower court ultimately conducted its own independent balancing of equities.

Criminal Sentencing Guidelines
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Oct 29 2024
23-738 Panel Decision

Tanvir v. Tanzin

The Second Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a RFRA claim against FBI agents, holding that the agents were entitled to qualified immunity because the plaintiffs failed to disclose their religious objections to serving as informants.

Qualified Immunity
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Oct 24 2024
22-1386 Panel Decision

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. v. Tri-Borough NY Medical Practice P.C.

The Second Circuit reversed a district court's refusal to enjoin pending state-court proceedings, ruling that the Anti-Injunction Act's exception for protecting federal jurisdiction applies when state litigation is used to further a RICO scheme. The court affirmed the injunction barring fraudulent arbitrations, holding that the piecemeal nature of the proceedings prevented the effective vindication of federal statutory rights.

Criminal Fraud
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Oct 24 2024
22-1362 Panel Decision

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. v. Tri-Borough NY Medical Practice P.C.

The Second Circuit reversed the district court's denial of a preliminary injunction against pending state-court proceedings, holding that an exception to the Anti-Injunction Act applies where federal arbitration claims are at stake and state litigation threatens irreparable harm. Applying the standard for enjoining state court actions under 28 U.S.C. § 2283, the court found State Farm likely to succeed on its claim that the Federal Arbitration Act preempts the state proceedings.

Civil Rights - Section 1983 Criminal Fraud
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Oct 17 2024
23-492 Panel Decision

Avon Nursing & Rehabilitation v. Becerra

The Second Circuit affirmed a district court ruling upholding a federal rule that allows certain Medicaid inspections of skilled nursing facilities without a registered nurse present. The court held that the statutory mandate for a registered nurse applies only to formal surveys, not to complaint investigations or compliance monitoring.

Civil Insurance
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Oct 15 2024
23-1147 Panel Decision

Salazar v. National Basketball Association

The Second Circuit held that a user who exchanges personal data for a free online newsletter qualifies as a 'subscriber of goods or services' under the Video Privacy Protection Act. The court further ruled that the unauthorized disclosure of video viewing history to a third party constitutes a concrete injury sufficient for Article III standing.

Civil Social Security
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