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 11 2026
1:23-CV-00276-MLG-KK Panel Decision

Gospel Light Mennonite Church Medical Aid Plan v. New Mexico Office of the Superintendent of Insurance

The Tenth Circuit dismissed an interlocutory appeal challenging a district court's order compelling discovery, ruling that such orders are not immediately appealable under the collateral order doctrine. The court reaffirmed that discovery orders adverse to claimed First Amendment privileges must be reviewed only after a final judgment is entered.

Appellate Jurisdiction Civil Insurance
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Mar 11 2026
5:23-CR-00051-R-1) Panel Decision

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. AKIN ZHON WOFFORD

The Tenth Circuit affirmed Akin Zhon Wofford's conviction for armed bank robbery and firearm possession, rejecting his claim that jury instructions improperly relieved the government of its burden of proof. The court held that the challenged instruction, when read in the context of all jury directions, did not mislead the jury or violate the defendant's Fifth and Sixth Amendment rights.

Criminal Firearms
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Mar 11 2026
2:24-CR-01062-MIS-1) Panel Decision

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. GUSTAVO ZAMORA-GUERRA

The Tenth Circuit affirmed a twenty-four-month prison sentence for illegal reentry, ruling that the district court did not abuse its discretion in imposing an upward variance. The appellate court held that the lower court provided compelling reasons for the sentence based on the defendant's repeated violations and history of extreme cruelty to animals.

Criminal Immigration (Criminal) Sentencing Guidelines
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Mar 11 2026
5:24-CR-00250-PRW-1 Panel Decision

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. MALYK JAJUAN RANSBURG

The Tenth Circuit dismissed Malyk Jajuan Ransburg's appeal because he signed a valid plea agreement containing an enforceable waiver of his right to appeal. The court held that the government did not breach the plea agreement by failing to support a downward sentencing adjustment, as Ransburg's false denial of relevant conduct precluded him from receiving that benefit.

Criminal Firearms
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Mar 10 2026
1:23-CV-02728-REB Panel Decision

Dekovic v. Rubio

The Tenth Circuit held that a child of a lawful permanent resident who is a minor under the Child Status Protection Act on the day their parent naturalizes retains their status as a minor child for visa purposes. The court rejected the government's argument that naturalization instantly transforms the child into an adult, aligning with sister circuits to prevent immediate deportation and lengthy visa delays.

Civil Civil Rights - Voting
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Mar 10 2026
1:24-CV-00913-RMR Panel Decision

Gays Against Groomers v. Garcia

The Tenth Circuit held that federal courts lack jurisdiction to review the procedural rules adopted by state legislative bodies for their own deliberations. The court affirmed the dismissal of the suit against state legislators, reasoning that such internal parliamentary procedures are protected from judicial inquiry under principles of separation of powers and legislative immunity.

Civil Civil Rights - Employment Civil Rights - Section 1983
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Mar 9 2026
6:22-CR-00037-RAW-2) Panel Decision

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. LEILONI BLAKE SMITH

The Tenth Circuit affirmed Leiloni Blake Smith's conviction for sexual abuse and exploitation of her minor children, ruling that alleged evidentiary errors and prosecutorial misconduct did not prejudice her duress defense. The court held that the overwhelming video evidence of the abuse rendered any trial errors harmless under both the plain error and harmless error standards.

Constitutional Habeas Corpus - General (28 USC 2241)
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