Decisions

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

Mar 4 2026
3rd Cir. 24-2777 Panel Decision

MICHAEL D. PENDERGRASS v. COMMISSIONER SOCIAL SECURITY

The Third Circuit affirmed the denial of Social Security disability benefits to Michael Pendergrass, ruling that substantial evidence supported the Administrative Law Judge's finding that Pendergrass was not disabled. The court held that the ALJ properly weighed medical evidence and considered Pendergrass's inconsistent treatment history in determining his residual functional capacity.

Civil Social Security
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Mar 4 2026
3rd Cir. 23-2590 Panel Decision

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. DEON BLAIR

The Third Circuit affirmed Deon Blair's criminal sentence, rejecting his pro se arguments regarding ineffective assistance of counsel, jury trial waiver, and sufficiency of evidence. The court held that Blair knowingly waived his constitutional rights and that the evidence sufficiently supported his conviction for fentanyl distribution resulting in death.

Constitutional Drug Trafficking Habeas Corpus - Federal Prisoner (28 USC 2255) Sentencing Guidelines
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Mar 4 2026
3rd Cir. 2:22-cv-06776 Panel Decision

CURTIS STABILE v. MACYS, INC.; FELECIA GREEN-HALL

The Third Circuit reversed the District Court's denial of a motion to compel arbitration, holding that an employee's failure to opt out of a clearly written arbitration plan constitutes valid acceptance under New Jersey law. The court found that the employer's Plan Document alone formed a binding agreement to arbitrate all employment-related claims.

Civil Civil Rights - Employment
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Mar 4 2026
3rd Cir. 3:19-cv-00242 Panel Decision

ROBERT BOYER, Executor of the Estate of Tamra Smith, Deceased; ROBERT BOYER v. MICHAEL MULVEY

The Third Circuit reversed the district court's denial of summary judgment, holding that a state trooper was entitled to qualified immunity for searching a former mayor's home. The court found that it was not clearly established at the time that a potential conflict of interest under state ethics laws provided probable cause for a warrantless search of a residence.

Civil Civil Rights - Section 1983 Qualified Immunity
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Mar 4 2026
3rd Cir. 25-1594 Panel Decision

ANIBAL YOBANI SICAL-TOJ v. ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

The Third Circuit affirmed the denial of asylum and withholding of removal because the petitioner failed to establish membership in a cognizable particular social group. The court held that the proposed group definition was impermissibly defined by the persecution itself and lacked the requisite social distinctness under prevailing precedent.

Civil Immigration (Civil)
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Mar 4 2026
3rd Cir. 26-1445 Panel Decision

In re LIGADO NETWORKS LLC, ET AL. Debtors LIGADO NETWORKS LLC Debtor-Appellant in 26-1444

The Third Circuit vacated a District Court stay order that blocked Ligado Networks from enforcing a Bankruptcy Court mandate requiring Inmarsat to support an FCC spectrum application. The appellate court ruled that the District Court abused its discretion by misinterpreting the parties' contract and failing to recognize the irreparable harm caused by delaying the FCC's March 2 deadline.

Civil Environmental (Civil)
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Mar 4 2026
1st Cir. 24-1996 Panel Decision

PAUL PERRUZZI; JEREMIAH SULLIVAN v. CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY; SNYDER'S-LANCE, INC: PAUL PERRUZZI; JEREMIAH SULLIVAN v. CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY; SNYDER’S-LANCE, INC

The First Circuit vacated and remanded a district court order that administratively closed a case without addressing the plaintiffs' claim that the Federal Arbitration Act exempts transportation workers from mandatory arbitration. The appellate court held that the lower court must explicitly rule on the Section 1 exemption argument before determining whether to stay or close the proceedings.

Civil Civil Rights - Voting
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Mar 4 2026
1st Cir. 25-1312 Panel Decision

JOHN B. CRUZ CONSTRUCTION CO., INC v. BEACON COMMUNITIES CORP.; BEACON COMMUNITIES SERVICES LLC; BEACON LENOX LLC; BEACON LENOX 2 LLC

The First Circuit affirmed the district court's grant of summary judgment to Beacon Communities, ruling that insufficient evidence supported claims of a breached oral promise or racial discrimination. The court held that the record failed to establish an enforceable contract or prove that race was a but-for cause of the plaintiff's exclusion from the Lenox project.

Civil Civil Rights - Employment Summary Judgment
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