Decisions

Every decision we've summarized — searchable, filterable, neutral.

Mar 9 2026
3rd Cir. 25-1029 Panel Decision

THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL TRISTIAN PAONE, DECEASED, BY AND THROUGH THE ADMINISTRATORS OF THE ESTATE, MICHAEL PAONE, JR. AND LISA PAONE; LISA PAONE; JULIANA PAONE v. TOWNSHIP OF PLYM...: THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL TRISTIAN PAONE, DECEASED, BY AND THROUGH THE ADMINISTRATORS OF THE ESTATE, MICHAEL PAONE, JR. AND LISA PAONE; LISA PAONE; JULIANA PAONE v. TOWNSHIP OF PLYM…

The Third Circuit affirmed summary judgment for police officers who used deadly force against a man with a mental health crisis holding a pellet gun. The court held that the officers' perception of an imminent threat made their use of force objectively reasonable under the Fourth Amendment.

Constitutional Fourth Amendment - Search & Seizure Qualified Immunity
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Mar 9 2026
3rd Cir. 2:24-cr-00022-001) Panel Decision

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. BRANDYN ALLEN SEABREEZE

The Third Circuit affirmed Brandyn Allen Seabreeze's conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, ruling that the traffic stop and subsequent search did not violate the Fourth Amendment. The court further held that Seabreeze had knowingly waived his right to appeal the sentencing calculation in his plea agreement.

Criminal Firearms
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Mar 9 2026
11th Cir. 1:20-cr-20224-RS-2 Published

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. RODRICK MAURICE HAMILTON

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed Rodrick Maurice Hamilton's conviction for conspiracy and attempt to commit Hobbs Act robbery following an armed shootout at a convenience store. The court rejected Hamilton's challenges to jury instructions on flight, prosecutorial comments on his silence, juror misconduct, and a sentencing Guidelines departure without notice.

Criminal Drug Trafficking Guidelines Departure Sentencing Guidelines
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Mar 6 2026
3rd Cir. 2:22-cv-02941 Panel Decision

Quinton Burns v. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc.: Quinton Burns v. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc.

The Third Circuit affirmed the District Court's denial of sanctions against SeaWorld, holding that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in refusing to impose penalties. The appellate court emphasized that decisions regarding litigation conduct sanctions are generally entrusted to the sound judgment of the trial court.

Civil Intellectual Property
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Mar 6 2026
9th Cir. 2:22-cv-06206-ODW-ADS Unpublished

JOSE LUIS AYALA v. ROBERTO A. ARIAS, Warden

The Ninth Circuit affirmed the denial of a state prisoner's habeas petition, ruling that his request to represent himself was made too close to trial to be considered timely under federal law. The court held that the California Court of Appeal reasonably applied Supreme Court precedent by finding the request untimely when made on the eve of trial.

Constitutional Habeas Corpus - State Prisoner (28 USC 2254)
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Mar 6 2026
9th Cir. 1:22-cr-00062-JLT-SKO-4 Unpublished

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. ALMA GARZA

The Ninth Circuit affirmed Alma Garza's conviction for drug conspiracy and possession, ruling that a less-than-three-day warrantless detention of a mailed package was reasonable under the Fourth Amendment. The court held that investigators acted diligently and that an evidentiary hearing was unnecessary given the lack of specific factual allegations from the defense.

Criminal Sentencing Guidelines
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Mar 6 2026
3rd Cir. 23-3184 Panel Decision

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. JEROME BROWN

The Third Circuit affirmed Jerome Brown's conviction and sentence, ruling that while the District Court improperly participated in plea negotiations, the error was harmless. Brown failed to demonstrate that the judicial interference violated his substantial rights or resulted in a heavier sentence than he would have otherwise accepted.

Criminal Drug Trafficking Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Guidelines
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