Decisions

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

Mar 5 2026
3rd Cir. 25-1242 Panel Decision

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. QUAHEEM BETHEA

The Third Circuit affirmed Quaheem Bethea's 70-month sentence for felon-in-possession of a firearm, rejecting claims that the District Court failed to adequately consider his youth and impulse control. The court held that the sentencing judge's detailed discussion of Bethea's persistent criminal history satisfied the requirement to consider all relevant factors under 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a).

Criminal Drug Trafficking Firearms
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Mar 5 2026
9th Cir. 1:21-cv-00498-BLW Unpublished

Luis Ortiz Vega v. GEICO Choice Insurance Company

The Ninth Circuit affirmed summary judgment for GEICO, holding that Idaho law treats the interpretation of an unambiguous insurance policy as a question of law. The court found no genuine issue of material fact because the insured was never legally obligated to pay damages, and the insurer had fulfilled its duty to communicate settlement offers.

Civil Insurance Summary Judgment
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Mar 5 2026
9th Cir. 4:22-cr-01545-RM-EJM-1 Unpublished

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. AARON THOMAS MITCHELL

The Ninth Circuit affirmed Aaron Thomas Mitchell's convictions for kidnapping a minor and deprivation of bodily rights under color of law. The court held that the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying motions for mistrial or continuance, finding no prosecutorial misconduct or trial error prejudiced the defendant.

Criminal Other Criminal
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Mar 5 2026
9th Cir. 2:18-cv-03300-DJH Unpublished

EPICENTER LOSS RECOVERY LLC v. BURFORD CAPITAL LIMITED; GANYMEDE INVESTMENTS LIMITED

The Ninth Circuit affirmed the district court's order compelling arbitration and dismissing the lawsuit, holding that a valid arbitration agreement existed under Arizona law and the Federal Arbitration Act. The court clarified that while the dismissal was correct, it should have been based on the merits rather than a lack of subject-matter jurisdiction.

Civil Securities
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Mar 5 2026
11th Cir. 23-12278 Published

United States v. Ragland

The Eleventh Circuit granted a petition for rehearing to vacate a prior ruling on the retroactive application of the First Step Act. The court now remands the case for resentencing in accordance with the Supreme Court's decision in Hewitt v. United States.

Criminal Robbery & Extortion
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Mar 5 2026
9th Cir. 25-1584 Unpublished

Andrea Mendoza Velasquez v. Pamela Bondi

The Ninth Circuit remanded the asylum and withholding of removal claims for reconsideration after finding the Board of Immigration Appeals may have failed to consider key evidence regarding Guatemala's ability to protect the petitioners. The court affirmed the denial of Convention Against Torture protection, ruling that the petitioners failed to meet the required standard of proof.

Civil Immigration (Civil)
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