Every decision we've summarized — searchable, filterable, neutral.
The Eleventh Circuit affirmed a 144-month prison sentence for drug trafficking and felon-in-possession offenses, rejecting the defendant's claim that the sentence was substantively unreasonable. The court held that the district court properly weighed the defendant's extensive history of domestic violence and drug recidivism under the abuse-of-discretion standard.
The Eleventh Circuit affirmed summary judgment for defendants, ruling that a civil detainee's transfer to a Special Management Unit during a criminal investigation did not violate substantive due process. The court further held that the defendants did not act with subjective recklessness regarding the detainee's medical needs after he removed his own surgical stitches.
The Eleventh Circuit affirmed Demetris Mackie's conviction for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, rejecting his challenges to the admission of evidence regarding a prior shooting. The court also upheld Mackie's 360-month sentence, finding it reasonable given his extensive criminal history and gang affiliation.
The Fifth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a wrongful death lawsuit against a Louisiana prison warden, ruling that issuing padlocks to inmates was a reasonable security measure that did not violate the Eighth Amendment. The court held that the low frequency of padlock-related assaults and the necessity of securing inmate property failed to establish the deliberate indifference required for liability.
The Fifth Circuit affirmed a 114-month prison sentence for a convicted felon convicted of conspiracy to provide a firearm and possession of a firearm. The court held that the district court did not abuse its discretion by ordering consecutive sentences despite probation recommendations for concurrent terms.
The Fifth Circuit granted the government's motion for summary affirmance, rejecting a constitutional challenge to the sentencing enhancement for illegal reentry. The court held that the appellant's argument is foreclosed by the Supreme Court's decision in Almendarez-Torres v. United States.
The Federal Circuit affirmed the Court of Federal Claims' denial of a plaintiff's renewed motion for relief from judgment under Rule 60(b)(6). The court held that the plaintiff's takings and breach-of-contract claims remained barred by the six-year statute of limitations and that the motion did not present extraordinary circumstances warranting relief.
The Eleventh Circuit affirmed the district court's refusal to compel arbitration, holding that VyStar Credit Union failed to prove the formation of a valid arbitration agreement under Florida state law. The court ruled that unilateral amendments to membership agreements via notice attached to account statements were insufficient to establish mutual assent to the new arbitration provision.
The Federal Circuit affirmed the dismissal of Larry Golden's complaint and the denial of his motion to disqualify the presiding judge. The court held that the claims were barred by the six-year statute of limitations and that the Court of Federal Claims lacks jurisdiction over patent infringement claims framed as Fifth Amendment takings.
The Tenth Circuit held that a child of a lawful permanent resident who is a minor under the Child Status Protection Act on the day their parent naturalizes retains their status as a minor child for visa purposes. The court rejected the government's argument that naturalization instantly transforms the child into an adult, aligning with sister circuits to prevent immediate deportation and lengthy visa delays.
