3rd Cir.

United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

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

Mar 4 2026
26-1444 Panel Decision

In re LIGADO NETWORKS LLC, ET AL. Debtors LIGADO NETWORKS LLC Debtor-Appellant in 26-1444

The Third Circuit vacated a District Court stay that blocked Ligado Networks from enforcing a bankruptcy-approved agreement with AST & Science regarding spectrum rights. The appellate court held that the District Court abused its discretion by misinterpreting the contract and failing to recognize the irreparable harm Ligado would suffer from missing critical FCC deadlines.

Civil Environmental (Civil)
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Mar 4 2026
24-2777 Panel Decision

MICHAEL D. PENDERGRASS v. COMMISSIONER SOCIAL SECURITY

The Third Circuit affirmed the denial of Social Security disability benefits to Michael Pendergrass, ruling that substantial evidence supported the Administrative Law Judge's finding that Pendergrass was not disabled. The court held that the ALJ properly weighed medical evidence and considered Pendergrass's inconsistent treatment history in determining his residual functional capacity.

Civil Social Security
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Mar 4 2026
23-2590 Panel Decision

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. DEON BLAIR

The Third Circuit affirmed Deon Blair's criminal sentence, rejecting his pro se arguments regarding ineffective assistance of counsel, jury trial waiver, and sufficiency of evidence. The court held that Blair knowingly waived his constitutional rights and that the evidence sufficiently supported his conviction for fentanyl distribution resulting in death.

Constitutional Drug Trafficking Habeas Corpus - Federal Prisoner (28 USC 2255) Sentencing Guidelines
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Mar 4 2026
2:22-cv-06776 Panel Decision

CURTIS STABILE v. MACYS, INC.; FELECIA GREEN-HALL

The Third Circuit reversed the District Court's denial of a motion to compel arbitration, holding that an employee's failure to opt out of a clearly written arbitration plan constitutes valid acceptance under New Jersey law. The court found that the employer's Plan Document alone formed a binding agreement to arbitrate all employment-related claims.

Civil Civil Rights - Employment
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Mar 4 2026
3:19-cv-00242 Panel Decision

ROBERT BOYER, Executor of the Estate of Tamra Smith, Deceased; ROBERT BOYER v. MICHAEL MULVEY

The Third Circuit reversed the district court's denial of summary judgment, holding that a state trooper was entitled to qualified immunity for searching a former mayor's home. The court found that it was not clearly established at the time that a potential conflict of interest under state ethics laws provided probable cause for a warrantless search of a residence.

Civil Civil Rights - Section 1983 Qualified Immunity
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Mar 4 2026
26-1445 Panel Decision

In re LIGADO NETWORKS LLC, ET AL. Debtors LIGADO NETWORKS LLC Debtor-Appellant in 26-1444

The Third Circuit vacated a District Court stay order that blocked Ligado Networks from enforcing a Bankruptcy Court mandate requiring Inmarsat to support an FCC spectrum application. The appellate court ruled that the District Court abused its discretion by misinterpreting the parties' contract and failing to recognize the irreparable harm caused by delaying the FCC's March 2 deadline.

Civil Environmental (Civil)
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Mar 3 2026
25-1814 Panel Decision

Walter Gustavo Suarez Juarez; Ana Lucia Jara Montoya; A. B. S. J.; X. V. S.J.; G. A. S.J v. Attorney General United States of America

The Third Circuit denied a petition for review of a Board of Immigration Appeals decision that rejected an asylum claim based on a lack of nexus between the petitioner's harm and his status as a cooperating witness. The court upheld the finding that the petitioner was targeted for financial extortion rather than because of his membership in a particular social group.

Civil Immigration (Civil)
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Mar 3 2026
24-2479 Panel Decision

HARINDER SINGH v. THOMAS DROPPA; GLENN LAURITSEN; BOROUGH OF SOUTH RIVER; OFFICE OF CODE ENFORCEMENT; BUILDING DEPARTMENT; STATE OF NEW JERSEY; SOUTH RIVER POLICE DEPARTMENT COM...

The Third Circuit affirmed the dismissal of Harinder Singh's fourth amended complaint, ruling that he failed to state plausible claims for Eighth Amendment excessive fines or municipal liability. The court held that further amendment would be futile given Singh's history of defective pleadings and the lack of new factual allegations.

Constitutional Fifth Amendment - Takings
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Mar 3 2026
3:22-cv-00977 Panel Decision

JASON MALAKOSKI v. MERRICK B. GARLAND, Attorney General United States Department of Justice

The Third Circuit affirmed the District Court's grant of summary judgment for the United States on Jason Malakoski's Title VII retaliation claims. The court held that Malakoski failed to demonstrate a prima facie case of retaliation and that the alleged adverse actions were not severe or pervasive enough to constitute a hostile work environment.

Civil Civil Rights - Employment
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