Decisions

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

Jan 29 2026
1st Cir. 25-1219 Panel Decision

ANN MARIE MACCARONE v. SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC

The First Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a wage-and-hour lawsuit after the plaintiff refused to sign a written settlement agreement that had been orally agreed upon and recited in court. The court held that the plaintiff's subsequent refusal to comply with the court's enforcement order justified dismissal with prejudice under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 41(b).

Jan 29 2026
11th Cir. 9:24-cr-80018-KAM-1 Published

United States v. Ott

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed a defendant's sentence, ruling that an attempt to commit New York second-degree robbery qualifies as a crime of violence under the Sentencing Guidelines. This decision relies on a 2023 amendment that explicitly includes inchoate offenses within the definition of a crime of violence.

Jan 29 2026
11th Cir. 3:22-cv-00312-RAH-JTA Published

Denise Hughes, as Administrator of the Estate of Edwin Dewayne Moss v. Darian K. Locure, an individual; Monique N. Locure, Administratrix of the Estate of Darian K. Locure

The Eleventh Circuit reversed the district court's denial of qualified immunity to a sheriff's deputy sued for drunk driving that caused a fatal collision. The court held that existing circuit precedent did not clearly establish that such conduct violated the Constitution, shielding the deputy from federal liability.

Jan 28 2026
4th Cir. 23-7016 Panel Decision

TONY DAUGHERTY v. DENNIS DINGUS, Warden

The Fourth Circuit affirmed the denial of habeas relief, holding that a juror's comments about knowing the defendant's family and fearing for their safety were internal to the deliberation process. The court ruled that the West Virginia Supreme Court did not unreasonably apply federal precedent in finding this conduct did not constitute impermissible external influence.

Jan 28 2026
4th Cir. 24-6996 Per Curiam

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. MARCUS ROOSEVELT TAYLOR

The Fourth Circuit affirmed the denial of Marcus Taylor's federal post-conviction relief motion, ruling that his challenges to the sufficiency of evidence were procedurally barred. The court further held that Taylor failed to demonstrate ineffective assistance of counsel or the need for an evidentiary hearing regarding his trial strategy claims.

Jan 27 2026
United States Court… 24-5084 Panel Decision

Andrew Dudt v. Daniel Driscoll, Secretary of the Army

The D.C. Circuit affirmed the dismissal of Major Andrew Dudt from an Army training course, ruling that the Army Board for Correction of Military Records acted within its authority. The court held that any procedural deficiencies in the Board's decision were harmless given the overwhelming evidence of Dudt's failure to meet operational standards.

Jan 27 2026
1st Cir. 25-1134 Panel Decision

JANE DOE v. CITY OF BOSTON; BOSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT; INDIVIDUAL OFFICERS in the official capacities

The First Circuit affirmed summary judgment for the City of Boston, ruling that no reasonable jury could find the police department's disclosure of a former officer's disciplinary records was motivated by retaliation. The court held that the department's actions were driven by standard procedures and legal obligations rather than a desire to punish the plaintiff for protected conduct.