Every decision we've summarized — searchable, filterable, neutral.
The Second Circuit affirmed that the 1676 Andros Order is not a valid federal treaty binding on the United States because it predates the nation and lacks federal ratification. Consequently, the order does not preempt New York's fishing regulations prohibiting the harvesting of glass eels in off-reservation waters.
The Ninth Circuit affirmed a 46-month prison sentence for a felon in possession of a firearm, ruling that the district court did not clearly err in applying a sentencing enhancement for reckless endangerment during flight. The court further held that the district court properly relied on Sentencing Commission data to address sentencing disparities and that the defendant forfeited arguments regarding a downward departure.
The Ninth Circuit affirmed the bribery and fraud convictions of a real estate developer who lavished gifts on a Los Angeles city councilmember to secure support for a skyscraper project. The court clarified that federal bribery laws require only the intent to influence an official act, not a formal agreement or a specific quid pro quo exchange.
The D.C. Circuit reversed the dismissal of a legal malpractice claim, holding that plaintiffs adequately pleaded proximate cause by showing the loss of a settlement opportunity was a foreseeable result of attorney negligence. The court clarified that foreseeability requires only that the general type of harm be predictable, not the precise sequence of events leading to it.
The Second Circuit affirmed Rickey Johnson's convictions for making threatening interstate communications and threatening United States officials. The court rejected Johnson's claims regarding jury composition, hearsay admission, and witness charges, finding any errors harmless or non-existent.
The Second Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a dispute over solar interconnection tax fees, ruling that federal courts lack subject-matter jurisdiction. The court held that the underlying tax questions were not substantial enough to support federal jurisdiction over state-law claims.
The D.C. Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a civil rights complaint because the plaintiff failed to provide a short, plain statement of the claim required by Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 8(a). The court further held that the district court correctly denied leave to amend the complaint, as the proposed changes would not have cured the original pleading deficiencies.
The Second Circuit affirmed summary judgment for four major book publishers, ruling that Internet Archive's practice of scanning and lending entire copyrighted books violates the Copyright Act. The court held that this digital lending program fails the fair use test because it is not transformative and usurps the publishers' market for licensed eBooks.
The Second Circuit held that proceeding to trial without a competency inquiry was objectively unreasonable given the petitioner's cyclical history of incompetence. The court reversed the district court's denial of habeas relief and remanded with instructions to issue a conditional writ.
The Ninth Circuit affirmed a felon-in-possession sentence, holding that the Sentencing Commission's commentary defining a large capacity magazine warrants judicial deference. The court ruled that the term is ambiguous and the Commission's interpretation of over fifteen rounds is reasonable.
