Every decision we've summarized from United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
The Third Circuit affirmed summary judgment for the Government in a federal tax collection suit, ruling that IRS transcripts containing minor clerical errors remain admissible to prove tax liability. The court held that the evidence was sufficient to show the taxpayer's installment agreements had terminated months before the lawsuit was filed.
The Third Circuit affirmed the District Court's grant of summary judgment for the East Brunswick School District, holding that the district provided a Free Appropriate Public Education to a student with Down Syndrome. The court ruled that placing the student in a self-contained classroom for specific subjects was necessary because he could not be educated satisfactorily in a general education setting despite extensive supplementary supports.
The Third Circuit affirmed summary judgment for law enforcement and prosecutors in a civil rights suit alleging a conspiracy to manufacture false charges. The court held that the plaintiff failed to provide persuasive evidence that the government fabricated evidence or lacked probable cause for his prosecution.
The Third Circuit denied a petition for review seeking withholding of removal and Convention Against Torture protection for a Ghanaian national convicted of federal fraud and money laundering crimes. The court upheld the Board of Immigration Appeals' finding that the petitioner failed to provide substantial evidence that he faced a clear probability of future persecution or torture upon return to Ghana.
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.
The Third Circuit affirmed the denial of Eric Hafner's motion to withdraw his guilty plea, ruling that he failed to prove ineffective assistance of counsel or a fair and just reason for withdrawal. The court also upheld a 240-month sentence, finding no error in the application of sentencing enhancements for threatening conduct and obstruction of justice.
The Third Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a pro se plaintiff's claim that a store's Wi-Fi policy discriminated against international visitors based on national origin. The court held that the complaint failed to plausibly allege discriminatory animus and modified the dismissal of state-law claims to be without prejudice.
The Third Circuit affirmed the denial of Eric Hafner's motion to withdraw his guilty plea, finding he failed to prove ineffective assistance of counsel or a fair and just reason for withdrawal. The court also upheld a 240-month sentence that exceeded the advisory Guidelines range, ruling that the District Court properly applied enhancements for threatening conduct and obstruction.
The Third Circuit affirmed the dismissal of Social Security disability benefits after the appellant failed to attend a scheduled hearing without demonstrating good cause. The court held that the SSA provided adequate notice and that the appellant failed to submit sufficient medical evidence to justify the absence.
The Third Circuit affirmed the removal of a Pakistani national convicted of aggravated criminal sexual contact, ruling the offense qualifies as a crime involving moral turpitude. The court also rejected the petitioner's asylum and Convention Against Torture claims due to failure to exhaust issues and insufficient evidence of persecution.