Every decision we've summarized — searchable, filterable, neutral.
The Second Circuit affirmed Eric Tompkins's conviction, holding that a search warrant for a cellular phone validly authorized the examination of an SD card inserted into that device. The court ruled that the warrant's broad language covering 'electronic storage' encompassed the SD card as an integral component of the phone.
The Second Circuit affirmed that the 1676 Andros Order is not a valid federal treaty binding on the United States because it predates the nation and lacks federal ratification. Consequently, the order does not preempt New York's fishing regulations prohibiting the harvesting of glass eels in off-reservation waters.
The Second Circuit reversed a district court dismissal, holding that a foreign defendant transacted business in New York by accepting online orders from New York residents, even without physical shipment. The court clarified that New York's long-arm statute requires a transaction, not a completed delivery, to establish personal jurisdiction over interactive websites.
The Ninth Circuit affirmed a 46-month prison sentence for a felon in possession of a firearm, ruling that the district court did not clearly err in applying a sentencing enhancement for reckless endangerment during flight. The court further held that the district court properly relied on Sentencing Commission data to address sentencing disparities and that the defendant forfeited arguments regarding a downward departure.
The Ninth Circuit affirmed the bribery and fraud convictions of a real estate developer who lavished gifts on a Los Angeles city councilmember to secure support for a skyscraper project. The court clarified that federal bribery laws require only the intent to influence an official act, not a formal agreement or a specific quid pro quo exchange.
The Second Circuit dismissed an appeal for lack of jurisdiction because the appellant failed to file a motion for reconsideration within the strict deadlines set by federal rules. The court clarified that merely serving a motion on opposing parties does not toll the appeal clock, and that the relevant rule is a mandatory claim-processing rule immune from equitable tolling.
The Second Circuit vacated a district court ruling that denied sovereign immunity to a foreign state's UN mission, holding that the employment of a non-diplomatic chauffeur for high-ranking officials may constitute a sovereign function rather than commercial activity. The appellate court found the lower court erred by shifting the burden of proof and failing to conduct a nuanced examination of the specific context surrounding the driver's duties.
The Second Circuit clarified that an employer violates the Family and Medical Leave Act by interfering with an employee's use of leave benefits, even if those benefits are ultimately granted. Despite this legal clarification, the court affirmed the dismissal of the plaintiff's claims because they were time-barred or failed on the merits.
The D.C. Circuit reversed the dismissal of a legal malpractice claim, holding that plaintiffs adequately pleaded proximate cause by showing the loss of a settlement opportunity was a foreseeable result of attorney negligence. The court clarified that foreseeability requires only that the general type of harm be predictable, not the precise sequence of events leading to it.
The Second Circuit affirmed Rickey Johnson's convictions for making threatening interstate communications and threatening United States officials. The court rejected Johnson's claims regarding jury composition, hearsay admission, and witness charges, finding any errors harmless or non-existent.
