Decisions

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

Jan 22 2026

1st Cir. 25-1275 Panel Decision

JOHN T. KOLACKOVSKY; ZENAS B. SEPPALA; ANNE HYDE; ROBERT SONIA; JONATHAN RING; TIM ROSE; RAY THURSBY; DEE OLIBERIO; CALANDRA SALO; LARY SALO; CASSI HOHENWARTER v. TOWN OF ROCKPORT

The First Circuit affirmed the dismissal of residents' constitutional and statutory challenges to a new zoning district because they failed to allege specific, concrete injuries required for Article III standing. The court held that vague assertions about potential property value changes and generalized grievances were insufficient to establish a personal stake in the outcome.

Civil Civil Rights - Voting Standing

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Jan 21 2026

1st Cir. 24-1488 Panel Decision

ARLETA MONGUE v. THE WHEATLEIGH CORPORATION; L. LINFIELD SIMON; SUSAN SIMON; MARC WILHELM

The First Circuit affirmed a district court order enforcing a global settlement resolving Fair Labor Standards Act and state wage claims against a luxury hotel. The court held that a single attorney could simultaneously represent individual plaintiffs and a certified class in negotiating the deal without creating a disqualifying conflict of interest.

Civil Labor

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Jan 21 2026

1st Cir. 25-1126 Panel Decision

UNITED STATES v. STAVROS PAPANTONIADIS

The First Circuit affirmed the convictions of a Massachusetts pizzeria owner for forced labor, ruling that a pattern of physical abuse and threats of deportation against undocumented workers satisfied the statutory elements of coercion. The court also upheld the defendant's 102-month sentence, rejecting challenges to evidentiary rulings and sentencing enhancements.

Criminal Sentencing Guidelines Supervised Release Violent Crimes

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Jan 21 2026

11th Cir. 3:21-cr-00014-TCB-RGV-1 Published

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. STEFAN EBERHARD ZAPPEY

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed Stefan Zappey's conviction for sexually abusing children at a Department of Defense school in Germany, ruling that the district court properly limited expert testimony on memory reliability. The court held that while general science on memory is admissible, experts cannot opine on witness credibility or present cumulative testimony that duplicates other evidence.

Constitutional Habeas Corpus - General (28 USC 2241)

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Jan 20 2026

U.S. Sup. Ct. 24-440 9-0

Berk v. Choy

The Supreme Court held that Delaware's affidavit-of-merit requirement cannot be enforced in federal court because it conflicts with Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 8. The Court reversed the Third Circuit's dismissal, ruling that federal pleading standards govern the sufficiency of a complaint in diversity cases.

Civil Civil Rights - Employment Civil Rights - Section 1983 Summary Judgment

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Jan 20 2026

U.S. Sup. Ct. 24-808 9-0

CONEY ISLAND AUTO PARTS UNLIMITED, INC v. BURTON

The Supreme Court held that Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 60(c)(1) imposes a reasonable-time limit on motions seeking relief from judgments alleged to be void. The Court rejected the argument that void judgments are legal nullities exempt from temporal filing deadlines.

Bankruptcy Civil

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Jan 20 2026

U.S. Sup. Ct. 24-482 Unanimous

ELLINGBURG v. UNITED STATES

The Supreme Court held that restitution ordered under the Mandatory Victims Restitution Act constitutes criminal punishment for purposes of the Ex Post Facto Clause. Consequently, applying the MVRA to a defendant who committed their crime before the Act's enactment violates the Constitution.

Criminal Sentencing Guidelines Violent Crimes

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Jan 20 2026

United States Court… 24-5234 Panel Decision

MILTON S. HERSHEY MEDICAL CENTER, ET AL v. ROBERT F. KENNEDY, JR

The D.C. Circuit affirmed the district court's grant of summary judgment, holding that the Secretary of Health and Human Services lacked the authority to unilaterally direct contractors to reopen final Medicare cost determinations outside the specific regulatory framework. The court ruled that the agency's attempt to apply a new reimbursement formula to settled reports was barred by explicit time limits and a prohibition on reopening based on changes in legal interpretation.

Administrative / Agency Review Civil Summary Judgment

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Jan 20 2026

United States Court… 23-1155 Panel Decision

SPOKANE AIRPORT BOARD v. TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

The D.C. Circuit denied a petition challenging the TSA's emergency cybersecurity rules for airports, ruling that the agency acted within its broad statutory authority. The court also held that the petitioner waived several arguments by failing to raise them during the administrative reconsideration process.

Civil Immigration (Civil)

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Jan 16 2026

1st Cir.

CLEMENTE PROPERTIES, INC.; 21 IN RIGHT, INC.; ROBERTO CLEMENTE JR.; LUIS ROBERTO CLEMENTE; ROBERTO ENRIQUE CLEMENTE v. HON. PEDRO R. PIERLUISI-URRUTIA, Governor of Puerto Rico...: CLEMENTE PROPERTIES, INC.; 21 IN RIGHT, INC.; ROBERTO CLEMENTE JR.; LUIS ROBERTO CLEMENTE; ROBERTO ENRIQUE CLEMENTE v. HON. PEDRO R. PIERLUISI-URRUTIA, Governor of Puerto Rico…

The First Circuit affirmed the district court’s dismissal of the Clemente heirs’ claims, ruling that the Lanham Act does not protect a deceased individual’s legacy from government use and that the Takings Clause does not apply…

Criminal Robbery & Extortion

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