Decisions

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

Mar 5 2026
10th Cir. 5:00-CV-03146-DES Panel Decision

In re MAURICE B. MOORE

The Tenth Circuit denied Maurice Moore's application to file a second or successive habeas corpus petition because he failed to meet the strict statutory requirements of the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act. The court held that Moore's claims did not rely on a new retroactive rule of constitutional law nor did they present previously undiscoverable facts establishing actual innocence.

Constitutional Habeas Corpus - State Prisoner (28 USC 2254)
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Mar 5 2026
3rd Cir. 2:23-cr-00371-001) Panel Decision

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. LEKESHA HILL

The Third Circuit affirmed Lekesha Hill's sixty-three-month sentence and restitution order, finding no error in the District Court's application of sentencing enhancements. The court held that the lower court correctly applied a two-level obstruction of justice enhancement and a sophisticated-means enhancement based on the facts of the case.

Criminal Fraud
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Mar 5 2026
3rd Cir. 25-1937 Panel Decision

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. NATHANIEL COLEMAN

The Third Circuit summarily affirmed the denial of Nathaniel Coleman's petition for a writ of error coram nobis, ruling that his appeal failed to present a substantial question. The court held that Coleman could not use the writ to bypass the strict standards required for filing a second or successive habeas motion.

Constitutional FOIA Habeas Corpus - Federal Prisoner (28 USC 2255) Supervised Release
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Mar 5 2026
3rd Cir. 2:13-cv-06437 Panel Decision

JOSE MENDEZ v. SUPERINTENDENT HOUTZDALE SCI; THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA; THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY OF THE COUNTY OF PHILADELPHIA

The Third Circuit granted appointed counsel's motion to withdraw from a habeas corpus appeal after determining the case presented no nonfrivolous issues. The court affirmed the District Court's denial of Jose Mendez's petition challenging his first-degree murder conviction.

Constitutional Habeas Corpus - General (28 USC 2241) Habeas Corpus - State Prisoner (28 USC 2254) Sixth Amendment - Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
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Mar 5 2026
3rd Cir. 2:22-CV-02760 Panel Decision

MEMPHIS STREET ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL AT J.P. JONES v. PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Third Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a charter school's challenge to its closure, ruling that the school district's enforcement of a surrender clause was not motivated by racial discrimination. The court held that the district acted within its contractual and statutory authority to revoke the charter based on the school's failure to meet agreed-upon academic benchmarks.

Civil Civil Rights - Housing
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Mar 5 2026
3rd Cir. 25-1242 Panel Decision

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. QUAHEEM BETHEA

The Third Circuit affirmed Quaheem Bethea's 70-month sentence for felon-in-possession of a firearm, rejecting claims that the District Court failed to adequately consider his youth and impulse control. The court held that the sentencing judge's detailed discussion of Bethea's persistent criminal history satisfied the requirement to consider all relevant factors under 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a).

Criminal Drug Trafficking Firearms
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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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