Decisions

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

Mar 20 2026
9th Cir. 2:21-cv-00060-JCC Unpublished

DAVID JAY DEARINGER Sr.; GANNA P. DEARINGER v. ELI LILLY AND COMPANY, a corporation

The Ninth Circuit affirmed summary judgment for Eli Lilly in a products liability case involving Cialis, holding that the plaintiffs failed to prove proximate causation under Washington's learned intermediary doctrine. The court further ruled that any potential errors regarding the appointment of counsel and the sham affidavit rule were harmless given the merits of the decision.

Civil Summary Judgment Tort / Personal Injury
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Mar 20 2026
9th Cir. 2:22-cv-01004-SRB Unpublished

CHURCH OF THE EAGLE AND THE CONDOR, et al v. PAMELA J. BONDI, Attorney General, et al

The Ninth Circuit reversed a district court order denying attorney's fees to religious plaintiffs who reached a settlement with the government. The appellate court held that the plaintiffs qualified as prevailing parties because the settlement agreement materially altered their legal relationship and the district court retained jurisdiction to enforce it.

Civil FOIA
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Mar 20 2026
9th Cir. 2:24-cv-02437-SVW-RAO Unpublished

AMERITAS LIFE INSURANCE CORP v. WILMINGTON TRUST, N.A

The Ninth Circuit reversed the district court's dismissal of a declaratory judgment action, holding that a permanent life insurance policy issued in 2024 was a distinct contract from a prior term policy issued in 2004. Because the permanent policy was a new contract and the policyholder lacked an insurable interest at the time of its issuance, the court ruled the policy void as an illegal wager.

Civil Environmental (Civil)
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Mar 20 2026
1st Cir. 25-1417 Panel Decision

Hellman v. Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

The First Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a constitutional challenge to Massachusetts regulations requiring private school students to receive publicly funded special education services at public or neutral locations. The court held that the state's logistical distinction does not infringe on parents' fundamental right to direct their children's upbringing, nor does it violate equal protection principles.

Civil Civil Rights - Section 1983
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Mar 20 2026
1st Cir. 20-1275, 20-1276, 20-1283 Panel Decision

United States v. Rosario-Orangel

The First Circuit affirmed the federal convictions of three defendants for RICO and drug conspiracy, rejecting challenges to the admission of hearsay statements made by coconspirators. The court held that the district court properly found the statements were made during and in furtherance of the conspiracy, or that any error in their admission was harmless given the overwhelming evidence of guilt.

Criminal Drug Trafficking
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Mar 20 2026
1st Cir. 20-1276 Panel Decision

United States v. Rosario-Orangel

The First Circuit affirms the federal convictions of three defendants for RICO and drug conspiracy, rejecting their challenges to the admission of hearsay statements made by coconspirators. The court holds that the District Court properly found the statements were made during and in furtherance of the conspiracy, or that any error in their admission was harmless given the overwhelming evidence of guilt.

Criminal Drug Trafficking
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Mar 20 2026
1st Cir. 20-1275 Panel Decision

United States v. Rosario-Orangel

The First Circuit affirms federal RICO and drug conspiracy convictions for three defendants, rejecting challenges to the admission of hearsay statements made by coconspirators. The court holds that the District Court properly found the statements were made during and in furtherance of the conspiracy, or that any error in their admission was harmless given the overwhelming evidence of guilt.

Criminal Drug Trafficking
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Mar 20 2026
8th Cir. 25-1351 Panel Decision

United States of America v. Jimmy Clyde Timberlake

The Eighth Circuit affirmed Jimmy Clyde Timberlake's conviction and 180-month sentence for felon in possession of a firearm and drug trafficking offenses. The court rejected challenges regarding the admission of a non-testifying witness's statement and the use of a prior drug-trafficking conviction, finding no reversible error in the district court's proceedings.

Criminal Drug Trafficking Firearms
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