Decisions

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

Mar 31 2026
11th Cir. 1:24-cv-00021-MW-MAF Per Curiam

JOSHUA I. MARTINEZ v. MAYO CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION SECRETARY, FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a prisoner's Equal Protection claim challenging a prison policy delaying sex-offender therapy eligibility. The court held that the plaintiff failed to plead sufficient factual allegations to show invidious discrimination or that he was similarly situated to other prisoners who received more favorable treatment.

Civil Securities
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Mar 31 2026
11th Cir. 1:97-cr-00509-JEM-2 Per Curiam

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. LEONCIO PEREZ

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed the denial of Leoncio Perez's motion for compassionate release, ruling that his advanced age and medical conditions did not constitute extraordinary and compelling reasons for sentence reduction. The court held that the district court properly weighed the sentencing factors under 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) and found Perez's history and the nature of his offenses precluded leniency.

Compassionate Release Criminal Drug Trafficking Mandatory Minimum
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Mar 31 2026
11th Cir. 3:24-cv-01290-HES-LLL Panel Decision

HSBC Bank USA, National Association as Trustee for the Certificateholders of the MLMI Trust, Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2006-AF1 v. Kenneth Elsmann, Cynthia Palacios

The Eleventh Circuit lacks jurisdiction to review a district court order remanding a foreclosure action to state court. The court granted the motion to dismiss the appeal regarding the remand order but will carry the issue of jurisdiction regarding the denial of reconsideration to the merits panel.

Civil Real Property
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Mar 31 2026
5th Cir. 24-40731 Per Curiam

Logan Wesley, III v. Jeff Neal

The Fifth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a Texas prisoner's Section 1983 claims alleging assault and medical neglect by jail officials. The court held that the district court properly dismissed claims with prejudice for failure to state a claim and without prejudice for defective service of process.

Civil Civil Rights - Section 1983
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Mar 31 2026
5th Cir. 25-40424 Per Curiam

United States of America v. Jesus Arturo Conchas-Mancilla

The Fifth Circuit affirmed the denial of a motion to suppress cocaine found in a vehicle, holding that a drug-detection dog's repeated alerts provided probable cause for the search. The court clarified that an instinctive alert, distinct from a trained indication, can establish probable cause when viewed under the totality of the circumstances.

Constitutional Fourth Amendment - Search & Seizure
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Mar 31 2026
5th Cir. 25-20176 Panel Decision

In the Matter of South Coast Supply Company Debtor Briar Capital Working Fund Capital, L.L.C., as assignee of South Coast Supply Company v. Robert W. Remmert

The Fifth Circuit affirmed the jury's verdict for Robert Remmert because the appellant failed to file a post-verdict motion challenging the sufficiency of the evidence. Under Supreme Court precedent, appellate courts lack jurisdiction to review legal insufficiency claims absent a Rule 50(b) motion, regardless of the underlying bankruptcy dispute.

Bankruptcy Civil
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Mar 31 2026
5th Cir. 25-11253 Per Curiam

In re Naoise Connolly Ryan; Emily Chelangat Babu; Joshua Mwazo Babu; Catherine Berthet; Huguette Debets

The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit denied petitions for writ of mandamus filed by families of crash victims challenging a non-prosecution agreement with Boeing. The court held that the Department of Justice did not violate the Crime Victims Rights Act and lacked jurisdiction to review the district court's dismissal of the underlying criminal charges.

Civil Civil Rights - Section 1983
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Mar 31 2026
10th Cir. 5:23-CR-00278-HE-7 Panel Decision

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. FEI XIE

The Tenth Circuit affirmed Fei Xie's conviction and 120-month sentence, ruling that the district court properly admitted witness testimony and an organizational chart under the Federal Rules of Evidence. The court further held that Xie's role in financing and managing the drug trafficking organization justified the application of the organizer/leader sentencing enhancement.

Criminal Sentencing Guidelines
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Mar 31 2026
3rd Cir. 24-2673 Panel Decision

DiFraia v. Ransom

The Third Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a prisoner's Eighth Amendment and ADA claims regarding his removal from a drug treatment program, ruling that prison officials' good-faith judgments lack the requisite culpable state of mind for constitutional liability. However, the court vacated the dismissal of his state-law negligence claim because the lower court relied on precedent that the Supreme Court has since abrogated.

Civil Civil Rights - PLRA / Prisoner
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