Decisions

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

Jun 14 2024
United States Court… 22-3068 Panel Decision

United States v. Lutamila

The D.C. Circuit affirmed a below-guidelines sentence for bank fraud, holding that the defendant forfeited his challenge to the loss calculation by failing to object when the district court confirmed the guideline range. The court found no plain error in calculating loss as the total amount stolen rather than the net amount remaining after recovery.

Jun 14 2024
United States Court… 22-5328 Panel Decision

ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES v. STEPHEN A. WYNN

The D.C. Circuit affirmed the dismissal of the government's suit to compel registration under the Foreign Agents Registration Act because the alleged agent ceased his activities years before the lawsuit was filed. The court held that FARA registration obligations are prospective and expire when an individual stops acting on behalf of a foreign principal.

Jun 13 2024
9th Cir. 6:21-cr-00004- Published

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. JOHN RUSSELL HOWALD

The Ninth Circuit affirmed John Howald's convictions for a federal hate crime and firearm discharge, rejecting his constitutional challenges to the statute's Commerce Clause reach. The court further held that an attempt to kill under the Hate Crimes Prevention Act constitutes a crime of violence, satisfying the elements required for the firearm enhancement.

Jun 11 2024
9th Cir. 5:18-cr-00258- Published

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. ELIZABETH A. HOLMES

The Ninth Circuit affirmed the fraud convictions and sentences of Elizabeth Holmes and Sunny Balwani, ruling that while some lay witness testimony improperly encroached on expert testimony under Rule 702, any error was harmless. The court further rejected arguments regarding the admissibility of a CMS report and other evidentiary challenges, finding no reversible error in the district court's decisions.

Jun 5 2024
3rd Cir. 2-20-cv-2576 Panel Decision

Elmagin Capital, LLC v. Chen

The Third Circuit affirmed the district court's denial of Elmagin's post-trial motions, upholding a jury verdict that found trade secrets existed but were not misappropriated. The court also confirmed that attorneys' fees claims in trade secret cases are matters for the judge, not a jury.

Jun 5 2024
3rd Cir. 2-20-cv-2576 Panel Decision

Elmagin Capital, LLC v. Chen

The Third Circuit affirmed the district court's denial of post-trial motions in a trade secret dispute, upholding a jury verdict that found the strategies were trade secrets but not misappropriated. The court also rejected a request for a jury trial on the issue of attorney's fees, ruling that such determinations are matters of law for the judge.

Jun 5 2024
3rd Cir. 2-20-cv-2576 Panel Decision

Elmagin Capital, LLC v. Chen

The Third Circuit affirmed the district court's denial of Elmagin's motions for judgment as a matter of law and a new trial in a trade secret dispute. The appellate court held that the jury's verdict, which found the strategies were trade secrets but not misappropriated, was supported by sufficient evidence.

Jun 5 2024
3rd Cir. 2-20-cv-2576 Panel Decision

Elmagin Capital, LLC v. Chen

The Third Circuit affirmed the district court's denial of Elmagin's motions for judgment as a matter of law and a new trial regarding trade secret misappropriation claims. The court held that the jury's verdict, which found trade secrets existed but were not misappropriated, was supported by sufficient evidence.

Jun 5 2024
United States Court… 24-5023 Panel Decision

JBG Smith Properties, LP First Residences v. Powell

The D.C. Circuit dismissed an appeal challenging a district court order remanding a landlord-tenant dispute to state court because the appellant failed to establish appellate jurisdiction. The court held that the statutory exception allowing review of such remand orders applies only when removal was originally based on federal officer or civil rights statutes, which were not invoked here.

Jun 4 2024
United States Court… 23-1239 Panel Decision

TRENTON PALMER v. FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, ADMINISTRATOR AND NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD

The D.C. Circuit denied a petition for review of an NTSB order affirming a pilot's violation of federal aviation regulations for flying below minimum safe altitudes. The court rejected the pilot's arguments regarding alleged ALJ errors, insufficient notice in the complaint, and a request to overrule prior precedent on sanction deference.