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 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
Read summary →
Mar 3 2026
25-2075 Panel Decision

LOUIS G. DOVER v. JOHN DOE, SUPERVISOR; SARAH COTHREN; DAVID TERAN

The Third Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a plaintiff's Bivens claim alleging Fourth Amendment violations by National Park Service Rangers. The court held that the existence of an alternative administrative remedial structure constitutes a special factor counseling hesitation, precluding the recognition of a new Bivens remedy in this context.

Constitutional Fourth Amendment - Search & Seizure
Read summary →
Mar 3 2026
2:24-cv-00959 Panel Decision

RP Wynstone LP v. Township of New Hanover

The Third Circuit affirmed the dismissal of real estate developers' federal civil rights claims against a Pennsylvania township, ruling that the allegations were barred by the statute of limitations. The court further held that the specific acts alleged did not meet the high legal thresholds required for substantive due process or equal protection violations.

Civil Civil Rights - Section 1983 Statute of Limitations
Read summary →
Mar 3 2026
24-2816 Panel Decision

JOHN WAYNE v. JOHN E. WETZEL; GEORGE LITTLE; TABB BICKELL; MICHAEL CLARK; LEE ESTOCK; DEREK F. OBERLANDER; JAIME SORBER; TAMMY FERGUSON; SECRETARY PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF COR...

The Third Circuit affirmed summary judgment for prison officials against an inmate's Eighth Amendment claim regarding his placement on the Restricted Release List. The court held that the inmate's documented history of violence and ongoing misconduct provided a legitimate penological justification for his continued restricted housing.

Civil Civil Rights - PLRA / Prisoner Summary Judgment
Read summary →
Mar 3 2026
2:22-cv-02364 Panel Decision

INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE INDUSTRIES, LLC v. INTERNATIONAL PAINTERS AND ALLIED TRADES INDUSTRY PENSION FUND, A

The Third Circuit affirmed a district court ruling that barred a pension fund from collecting withdrawal liability because it failed to notify the employer as soon as practicable. The court held that this timeliness requirement is an independent statutory element of the claim, not a waivable defense subject to mandatory arbitration.

Civil ERISA / Employee Benefits Labor Summary Judgment
Read summary →
Mar 3 2026
25-1522 Panel Decision

SAMUEL CARDENAS v. ATTORNEY GENERAL UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

The Third Circuit clarified that battered child relief is available if the abuser becomes a lawful permanent resident after the abuse occurs, rejecting a prior Board of Immigration Appeals interpretation. However, the court affirmed the denial of standard cancellation of removal because the record supports the finding that the petitioner's mother would not suffer exceptional hardship.

Civil Immigration (Civil)
Read summary →
Mar 2 2026
2:22-cv-07299 Panel Decision

Symrise, Inc. v. Kennison; Ali

The United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit vacated a district court order denying motions to compel arbitration in a trade secrets dispute. The appellate court clarified that a separation agreement did not supersede a prior employment agreement containing an arbitration clause and remanded for application of a new standard regarding pre-arbitration discovery.

Civil Other Civil
Read summary →