March 20, 2026·26-129·Panel Decision·By James Taylor
The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit dismissed a petition for a writ of mandamus or habeas corpus filed by Raj T. Patel. The court held that it lacks subject matter jurisdiction over habeas matters and review of state court decisions.
Raj T. Patel petitioned the Federal Circuit for a writ of mandamus or habeas corpus directed at the Indiana Boone County Superior Court. Patel also moved for associated relief under the All Writs Act.
The court’s reasoning
The court noted that while the All Writs Act allows federal courts to issue writs necessary in aid of their jurisdiction, the Act is not itself a grant of jurisdiction. The Federal Circuit’s limited subject matter jurisdiction does not include habeas matters or review of state court decisions.
What it means going forward
The dismissal reinforces the Federal Circuit’s limited scope, preventing it from serving as a venue for habeas challenges or appeals from state court rulings.
