Every decision we've summarized from United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
The Third Circuit denied a petition for review of a Board of Immigration Appeals decision rejecting an asylum claim based on domestic violence. The court upheld the finding that the petitioner could safely relocate within Guatemala and failed to prove a clear probability of future torture.
The Third Circuit affirmed the District Court's denial of sanctions against SeaWorld, holding that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in refusing to impose penalties. The appellate court emphasized that decisions regarding litigation conduct sanctions are generally entrusted to the sound judgment of the trial court.
The Third Circuit affirmed Jerome Brown's conviction and sentence, ruling that while the District Court improperly participated in plea negotiations, the error was harmless. Brown failed to demonstrate that the judicial interference violated his substantial rights or resulted in a heavier sentence than he would have otherwise accepted.
The Third Circuit affirmed Lekesha Hill's sixty-three-month sentence and restitution order, finding no error in the District Court's application of sentencing enhancements. The court held that the lower court correctly applied a two-level obstruction of justice enhancement and a sophisticated-means enhancement based on the facts of the case.
The Third Circuit summarily affirmed the denial of Nathaniel Coleman's petition for a writ of error coram nobis, ruling that his appeal failed to present a substantial question. The court held that Coleman could not use the writ to bypass the strict standards required for filing a second or successive habeas motion.
The Third Circuit granted appointed counsel's motion to withdraw from a habeas corpus appeal after determining the case presented no nonfrivolous issues. The court affirmed the District Court's denial of Jose Mendez's petition challenging his first-degree murder conviction.
The Third Circuit affirmed the dismissal of Joseph Michael Bova, Jr.'s complaint for lack of subject-matter jurisdiction. The court held that Bova failed to allege any basis for federal question or diversity jurisdiction in his pleadings.
The Third Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a charter school's challenge to its closure, ruling that the school district's enforcement of a surrender clause was not motivated by racial discrimination. The court held that the district acted within its contractual and statutory authority to revoke the charter based on the school's failure to meet agreed-upon academic benchmarks.
The Third Circuit affirmed Quaheem Bethea's 70-month sentence for felon-in-possession of a firearm, rejecting claims that the District Court failed to adequately consider his youth and impulse control. The court held that the sentencing judge's detailed discussion of Bethea's persistent criminal history satisfied the requirement to consider all relevant factors under 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a).
The Third Circuit affirmed summary judgment for 7-Eleven in a franchise dispute, ruling that the franchisor had valid grounds to rescind the agreement due to the franchisee's failure to maintain required net worth and operate as a 24-hour store. The court further held that 7-Eleven's refusal to permanently waive penalty fees did not violate the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.