10th Cir.

United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit

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

Mar 27 2026

4:21-CR-00489-JFH-1) Panel Decision

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. CREGG LENARD GAINES

The Tenth Circuit affirmed a supervised release revocation, ruling that any constitutional error in admitting a witness's video statement was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt. The court held that the district court would have reached the same conclusion based on independent evidence, including the victim's identification and the defendant's own admissions.

Criminal Sixth Amendment - Confrontation Clause Supervised Release

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Mar 26 2026

5:25-CV-00767-D Panel Decision

In re ALVIN PARKER

The United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit dismissed a petition for a writ of mandamus filed by Alvin Parker. The court found the petition moot after the petitioner withdrew his underlying motion for relief.

Civil Mootness Other Civil

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Mar 26 2026

1:23-CV-00242-SWS Panel Decision

Gregory Lee King D'Arezzo v. Guild Mortgage

The United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit dismissed an appeal because the appellant failed to file an opening brief. The court also noted that the appellant did not pay the required filing fee or submit a motion to proceed in forma pauperis.

Admiralty / Maritime Civil

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Mar 26 2026

24-3093 Panel Decision

State of Kansas v. Donald J. Trump

The United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit dismissed an appeal filed by multiple states against the President and the Department of Education. The dismissal was granted based on a joint stipulation from all parties involved in the litigation.

Civil Civil Rights - PLRA / Prisoner

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Mar 26 2026

4:17-CV-00445-CVE-JFJ) Panel Decision

JAMES EDWARD MONTGOMERY v. JAMES COTTON, Interim Warden

The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals denied James Edward Montgomery's request for a certificate of appealability, dismissing his federal habeas petition. The court held that Montgomery failed to make a substantial showing that the state court's rejection of his constitutional claims was debatable or wrong.

Constitutional Habeas Corpus - State Prisoner (28 USC 2254)

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Mar 26 2026

1:23-CV-01717-NRN Panel Decision

RONALD LEE SMITH v. MARYAM GHIASSI; KIM BROWN

The Tenth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a pro se prisoner's Eighth Amendment claim alleging deliberate indifference to serious medical needs. The court held that the plaintiff's allegations failed to meet the required objective and subjective standards for a constitutional violation.

Civil Civil Rights - Section 1983

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Mar 26 2026

4:24-CR-00397-GKF-2) Panel Decision

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. MARCOS JAVIER SUAZO-MANCILLA

The Tenth Circuit enforced a defendant's appeal waiver contained in his plea agreement after he failed to file a response despite multiple extensions. The court determined that the appeal fell within the waiver's scope, the waiver was knowingly and voluntarily made, and enforcing it would not result in a miscarriage of justice.

Criminal Drug Trafficking

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Mar 26 2026

5:24-CR-00398-R-1) Panel Decision

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. MARLON DEWAYNE MARTIN

The Tenth Circuit dismissed Marlon DeWayne Martin's appeal of his child sex trafficking sentence because he signed a plea agreement containing an enforceable waiver of appellate rights. The court found the waiver covered the specific claim raised and that enforcing it would not result in a miscarriage of justice.

Constitutional Sixth Amendment - Ineffective Assistance of Counsel

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Mar 26 2026

2:24-CV-02387-TC-ADM Panel Decision

Hulett v. Foster

The United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit dismissed an appeal filed by TC Hulett, Jr. due to a failure to file a timely notice of appeal. The court concluded it lacked jurisdiction because the notice was filed thirty days after the statutory deadline had expired.

Civil Tort / Personal Injury

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Mar 26 2026

1:25-CV-02246-LTB-RTG Panel Decision

Devon Bickham v. Red Dot Storage; Fortegra, Life of the South; Clarksville Police Department; Montgomery County Sheriff's Department

The United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit dismissed this appeal due to a failure to prosecute. The court issued an order stating that the dismissal stands as the mandate of the court.

Admiralty / Maritime Civil

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