Decisions

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

Mar 3 2026
3rd Cir. 24-2479 Panel Decision

HARINDER SINGH v. THOMAS DROPPA; GLENN LAURITSEN; BOROUGH OF SOUTH RIVER; OFFICE OF CODE ENFORCEMENT; BUILDING DEPARTMENT; STATE OF NEW JERSEY; SOUTH RIVER POLICE DEPARTMENT COM...: HARINDER SINGH v. THOMAS DROPPA; GLENN LAURITSEN; BOROUGH OF SOUTH RIVER; OFFICE OF CODE ENFORCEMENT; BUILDING DEPARTMENT; STATE OF NEW JERSEY; SOUTH RIVER POLICE DEPARTMENT COM…

The Third Circuit affirmed the dismissal of Harinder Singh's fourth amended complaint, ruling that he failed to state plausible claims for Eighth Amendment excessive fines or municipal liability. The court held that further amendment would be futile given Singh's history of defective pleadings and the lack of new factual allegations.

Constitutional Fifth Amendment - Takings
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Mar 3 2026
3rd Cir. 3:22-cv-00977 Panel Decision

JASON MALAKOSKI v. MERRICK B. GARLAND, Attorney General United States Department of Justice

The Third Circuit affirmed the District Court's grant of summary judgment for the United States on Jason Malakoski's Title VII retaliation claims. The court held that Malakoski failed to demonstrate a prima facie case of retaliation and that the alleged adverse actions were not severe or pervasive enough to constitute a hostile work environment.

Civil Civil Rights - Employment
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Mar 3 2026
3rd Cir. 25-2075 Panel Decision

LOUIS G. DOVER v. JOHN DOE, SUPERVISOR; SARAH COTHREN; DAVID TERAN

The Third Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a plaintiff's Bivens claim alleging Fourth Amendment violations by National Park Service Rangers. The court held that the existence of an alternative administrative remedial structure constitutes a special factor counseling hesitation, precluding the recognition of a new Bivens remedy in this context.

Constitutional Fourth Amendment - Search & Seizure
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Mar 3 2026
3rd Cir. 2:24-cv-00959 Panel Decision

RP Wynstone LP v. Township of New Hanover

The Third Circuit affirmed the dismissal of real estate developers' federal civil rights claims against a Pennsylvania township, ruling that the allegations were barred by the statute of limitations. The court further held that the specific acts alleged did not meet the high legal thresholds required for substantive due process or equal protection violations.

Civil Civil Rights - Section 1983 Statute of Limitations
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Mar 3 2026
3rd Cir. 24-2816 Panel Decision

JOHN WAYNE v. JOHN E. WETZEL; GEORGE LITTLE; TABB BICKELL; MICHAEL CLARK; LEE ESTOCK; DEREK F. OBERLANDER; JAIME SORBER; TAMMY FERGUSON; SECRETARY PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF COR...: JOHN WAYNE v. JOHN E. WETZEL; GEORGE LITTLE; TABB BICKELL; MICHAEL CLARK; LEE ESTOCK; DEREK F. OBERLANDER; JAIME SORBER; TAMMY FERGUSON; SECRETARY PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF COR…

The Third Circuit affirmed summary judgment for prison officials against an inmate's Eighth Amendment claim regarding his placement on the Restricted Release List. The court held that the inmate's documented history of violence and ongoing misconduct provided a legitimate penological justification for his continued restricted housing.

Civil Civil Rights - PLRA / Prisoner Summary Judgment
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Mar 3 2026
9th Cir. 3:24-cv-05597-MJP Unpublished

Niles v. United States

The Ninth Circuit reversed a district court dismissal of a Second Amendment challenge to firearm prohibitions imposed by protection orders. The appellate court held that the Rooker-Feldman doctrine does not bar federal review when a plaintiff challenges the underlying statutes rather than seeking to overturn a specific state-court judgment.

Criminal Firearms
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Mar 3 2026
9th Cir. 3:24-cv-05597-MJP Unpublished

David E. Niles v. United States of America; Nicholas W. Brown

The Ninth Circuit reversed a district court's dismissal of a Second Amendment challenge to firearm prohibitions tied to protection orders. The appellate court held that the Rooker-Feldman doctrine does not bar the claim because the plaintiff challenged the statutes themselves rather than seeking to overturn a specific state-court judgment.

Criminal Firearms
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Mar 3 2026
9th Cir. 25-851 Unpublished

Maria Magdalena Perez De Lopez; Jose Noel Lopez Perez v. Pamela Bondi, Attorney General

The Ninth Circuit affirmed the denial of asylum, withholding of removal, and Convention Against Torture relief to two Salvadoran nationals. The court held that substantial evidence supported the agency's findings that the petitioners failed to prove past persecution, a well-founded fear of future persecution, or eligibility under a cognizable particular social group.

Civil Immigration (Civil)
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