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The Tenth Circuit affirmed Kyle Aguilar's convictions for two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country, ruling that the statute treats touching different body parts as separate criminal acts. The court further held that the victim's testimony provided sufficient evidence for a jury to infer the defendant's intent to gratify his sexual desire.
The Tenth Circuit affirmed a three-year prison sentence for a supervised release violation, ruling that a police report detailing firearm possession was admissible evidence. The court held that the report met the minimal reliability standard required for sentencing and that the defendant waived his right to object to the timing of its disclosure.
The Third Circuit dismissed a petition for a writ of mandamus filed by Jobadiah Weeks because the District Court subsequently ruled on the underlying motions. The appellate court found that the lower court's actions resolved the specific relief sought, eliminating the live controversy required for judicial intervention.
The Third Circuit affirmed the District Court's grant of summary judgment to the Central Valley School District, ruling that the plaintiff failed to prove age discrimination under the ADEA and PHRA. The court held that the school district's reasons for hiring a younger candidate were legitimate and that the plaintiff's evidence of pretext amounted to mere speculation.
The Third Circuit denied a petition for review of a Board of Immigration Appeals decision rejecting an asylum claim based on domestic violence. The court upheld the finding that the petitioner could safely relocate within Guatemala and failed to prove a clear probability of future torture.
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.
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.
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.
The Ninth Circuit affirmed the denial of summary judgment on qualified immunity grounds for prison officers accused of excessive force. The court held that if a prisoner proves they were beaten while handcuffed and subdued, the officers violated clearly established law.
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.
