Decisions

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

Feb 26 2026
11th Cir. 3:18-cr-209-MMH-MCR Published

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. JIMMY RAY LIGHTSEY

The Eleventh Circuit vacated Jimmy Ray Lightsey's sentence, holding that his prior conviction for attempted armed robbery under Florida law does not qualify as a violent felony under the Armed Career Criminal Act. The court determined that the elements of Florida's attempt statute do not always require proof of the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force.

Criminal Drug Trafficking
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Feb 25 2026
7th Cir. 25-2302 Panel Decision

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. DAVID J. TAYLOR

The Seventh Circuit affirmed the denial of David Taylor's motion for compassionate release, ruling that he failed to prove his medical care was inadequate or that his family circumstances constituted an extraordinary and compelling reason. The court also clarified that rehabilitation efforts alone cannot serve as the basis for early release under the federal statute.

Compassionate Release Criminal Drug Trafficking
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Feb 25 2026
7th Cir. 24-3000 Panel Decision

CORNELIUS BROWN v. REYNAL CALDWELL

The Seventh Circuit affirmed summary judgment for prison medical providers, ruling that conservative treatment of reducible hernias did not constitute deliberate indifference under the Eighth Amendment. The court held that the Constitution guarantees adequate medical care, not the specific surgical treatment a prisoner desires.

Civil Civil Rights - Section 1983
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Feb 25 2026
7th Cir. 25-1289 Panel Decision

TIMOTHY W. MACKALL v. KATHERINE SWEENEY BELL

The Seventh Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a Section 1983 lawsuit alleging that a protective order and subsequent criminal convictions were obtained through fraud. The court held that the plaintiff's claims were barred by Heck v. Humphrey because a favorable ruling would necessarily imply the invalidity of his standing criminal convictions.

Civil Civil Rights - Section 1983
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Feb 25 2026
8th Cir. 25-1969 Panel Decision

Karla Yesenia Gomez-Orozco; E.F.G.-O v. Pamela Bondi

The Eighth Circuit affirmed the Board of Immigration Appeals' denial of asylum and withholding of removal for Guatemalan petitioners. The court held that the petitioners failed to exhaust claims regarding a pattern or practice against women in Guatemala and waived review of the agency's finding that the government could not control their ex-partner.

Civil Immigration (Civil)
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Feb 25 2026
5th Cir. 24-20379 Panel Decision

Radley Bradford v. Sovereign Pest Control of TX, Inc.

The Fifth Circuit affirmed summary judgment for a pest control company, holding that a customer provided prior express consent for pre-recorded calls by providing his phone number in a service contract. The court clarified that the TCPA statute requires only express consent for informational calls, rejecting the argument that written consent is mandatory for all pre-recorded calls.

Administrative / Agency Review Civil Summary Judgment
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Feb 25 2026
3rd Cir. 24-3084 Panel Decision

DANA THORNTON v. STATE OF NEW JERSEY; ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS; TONYA HOPSON

The Third Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a pro se plaintiff's federal civil rights claims arising from a state custody dispute, ruling that state officials and judges are protected by immunity doctrines. The court held that the plaintiff failed to plead an ongoing violation of federal law necessary to bypass sovereign immunity and did not allege that judicial actors acted outside their jurisdiction.

Civil Civil Rights - Section 1983 Motion to Dismiss
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Feb 25 2026
3rd Cir. 26-1201 Panel Decision

In re JORDAN ZAHLER

The Third Circuit denied a pro se petitioner's request for a writ of mandamus, ruling that he failed to meet the high burden required for such an extraordinary remedy. The court held that the District Court's decisions on default judgment, recusal, and dismissal were not subject to mandamus review under established legal standards.

Civil Insurance
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