Decisions

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

Mar 6 2026
3rd Cir. 2:22-cv-01791 Panel Decision

THERESA A. GALLAGHER v. CENTRAL VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT

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.

Civil Civil Rights - Employment Summary Judgment
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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9th Cir. 2:22-cv-06206-ODW-ADS Unpublished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9th Cir. 1:22-cr-00062-JLT-SKO-4 Unpublished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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Mar 6 2026
3rd Cir. 24-2761 Panel Decision

CHRISTOPHER G. MASSEY v. BOROUGH OF BERGENFIELD

The Third Circuit reversed the District Court's grant of summary judgment, predicting that the New Jersey Supreme Court would invalidate the state's 'Background Circumstances Rule' for employment discrimination claims. The court held that the rule, which imposes a heightened burden on majority-group plaintiffs, is incompatible with the text of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination.

Civil Civil Rights - Employment Civil Rights - Section 1983 Fourteenth Amendment - Equal Protection
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Mar 5 2026
9th Cir. 1:21-cv-00498-BLW Unpublished

Luis Ortiz Vega v. GEICO Choice Insurance Company

The Ninth Circuit affirmed summary judgment for GEICO, holding that Idaho law treats the interpretation of an unambiguous insurance policy as a question of law. The court found no genuine issue of material fact because the insured was never legally obligated to pay damages, and the insurer had fulfilled its duty to communicate settlement offers.

Civil Insurance Summary Judgment
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Mar 5 2026
9th Cir. 4:22-cr-01545-RM-EJM-1 Unpublished

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. AARON THOMAS MITCHELL

The Ninth Circuit affirmed Aaron Thomas Mitchell's convictions for kidnapping a minor and deprivation of bodily rights under color of law. The court held that the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying motions for mistrial or continuance, finding no prosecutorial misconduct or trial error prejudiced the defendant.

Criminal Other Criminal
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