Every decision we've summarized — searchable, filterable, neutral.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit affirmed a dismissal of a maritime shipping dispute where the plaintiff alleged fraud in the execution of bills of lading. The court held that the claim was essentially a breach of contract barred by the one-year statute of limitations under the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act.
The Eleventh Circuit affirmed convictions under the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act for three defendants arrested on a vessel without nationality. The court held that a State Department certification confirming a lack of nationality is conclusive proof of jurisdiction.
The First Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a qui tam action under the False Claims Act, holding that the relators failed to plead fraud with the particularity required by Federal Rule of Civil Procedure nine point B.
The Tenth Circuit affirmed a 168-month prison sentence for methamphetamine distribution, holding that the district court properly applied a two-level sentencing enhancement for maintaining a premises for drug distribution.
The Fourth Circuit affirmed a district court dismissal of a utility company's federal lawsuit challenging state agency penalties. The court held that the company waived its right to a jury trial and failed to state a claim that the penalties were unconstitutionally excessive.
The Eleventh Circuit affirmed the convictions of three defendants under the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act. The court held that the vessel was subject to United States jurisdiction because the claimed nation of registry failed to affirmatively assert the vessel's nationality.
The Eleventh Circuit reversed a district court judgment that reduced a sex discrimination damages award based on a waived affirmative defense. The court held that the employer failed to plead the employee headcount cap, entitling the plaintiff to the combined statutory maximums under federal and state law.
The Eleventh Circuit affirmed the dismissal of Michael Townes's complaint seeking relief from civil disabilities arising from his federal conviction. The court held that Townes lacked Article III standing and that his claims were premature under the rule established in Heck v. Humphrey.
The Fifth Circuit affirmed a defendant's sentence after determining that a high-speed car chase constituted violence under the federal sentencing safety valve. The court held that fleeing at speeds exceeding one hundred thirty-five miles per hour and striking another vehicle satisfied the statutory bar to relief.
The Tenth Circuit affirmed a conviction for sexual abuse after the defendant conceded he could not prove the jury instruction was clearly erroneous. The court held that the district court's use of a modified Allen charge did not constitute plain error under the applicable standard.
