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

Apr 27 2026
7th Cir. 25-2249 Panel Decision

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. MICHAEL J. MADIGAN

The Seventh Circuit affirmed Michael Madigan's federal bribery convictions, ruling that wiretap recordings and circumstantial evidence sufficiently proved a quid pro quo exchange between the former Illinois Speaker and utility company ComEd. The court further held that jury instructions regarding the definition of official acts and corrupt intent were legally sound and not prejudicial.

Criminal Fraud
Read summary →
Apr 27 2026
10th Cir. 24-6132 Panel Decision

Devon Energy Production Company, et al. v. DOI

The Tenth Circuit held that the Office of Natural Resources Revenue acted arbitrarily and capriciously by failing to consider a prior settlement agreement when denying Devon Energy's cost deductions for gas production. The court remanded the case to the district court with instructions to vacate the agency's order and require a new determination consistent with the settlement terms.

Civil Securities
Read summary →
Apr 27 2026
4th Cir. 25-2425 Per Curiam

ANTHONY GLENN JAMES v. JOHN SONNENDECKER, ATF Agent; CHRISTOPHER SCOTT LIETZOW, U.S Attorney; JANET CARRA HENDERSON U.S Attorney; WILLIAM CROCKETTE, Charleston P.D. - ATF Liasion: ANTHONY GLENN JAMES v. JOHN SONNENDECKER, ATF Agent; CHRISTOPHER SCOTT LIETZOW, U.S Attorney; JANET CARRA HENDERSON U.S Attorney; WILLIAM CROCKETTE, Charleston P.D. – ATF Liasion

The Fourth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a plaintiff's Bivens claim, ruling that the complaint failed to allege sufficient facts to establish a cognizable constitutional violation. The court further held that the U.S. Attorneys involved were protected by absolute prosecutorial immunity from liability.

Civil Civil Rights - Section 1983
Read summary →
Apr 24 2026
4th Cir. 24-4266 Per Curiam

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. KHRIY SHERROD SIMON

The Fourth Circuit affirmed Khriy Sherrod Simon's conviction for impersonating a federal agent, ruling that a rational jury could find he claimed to be a DEA agent to detain and search victims. The court also held that any error in excluding hearsay testimony regarding Simon's bail enforcement work was harmless given the overwhelming evidence of his federal impersonation.

Criminal Firearms
Read summary →
Apr 24 2026
8th Cir. 25-1434 Panel Decision

United States of America v. Oscar Hudspeth, Sr

The Eighth Circuit affirmed Oscar Hudspeth's conviction for sex abuse in Indian country, ruling that excluding polygraph evidence did not violate his constitutional right to present a complete defense. The court held that while the defendant sought to explain his incriminating statements as reactions to a failed polygraph, the exclusion of the test results was proper and did not prevent him from presenting his overall defense strategy.

Criminal Mandatory Minimum Sex Offenses
Read summary →
Apr 24 2026
Fed. Cir. 24-2053 Panel Decision

Jones v. United States

The Federal Circuit affirmed the Court of Federal Claims' judgment that the United States is not liable for the 2007 death of Todd Murray, a Ute Indian Tribe member. The court held that the plaintiffs failed to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that a police officer shot Mr. Murray rather than him committing suicide.

Civil Forfeiture / Penalty Summary Judgment
Read summary →
Apr 24 2026
1st Cir. 25-1146 Panel Decision

UNITED STATES v. RAHIM SHAFA

The First Circuit affirmed Rahim Shafa's convictions for money laundering and drug offenses but vacated his sentence for misdemeanor misbranding due to the District Court's failure to clarify why the fraud guideline applied. The court remanded the case for resentencing on that specific count to resolve ambiguities regarding the acquitted-conduct amendment.

Criminal Money Laundering Sentencing Guidelines
Read summary →
Apr 24 2026
9th Cir. 2:24-cv-01909-BJR Unpublished

WHISPER LAKE DEVELOPMENTS, INC. V. MAHAFFIE, ET AL.

The Ninth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a developer's federal constitutional claims, holding that the plaintiff failed to allege a constitutionally protected property interest in the disputed land or contractual payments. The court reasoned that the plaintiff conveyed legal title to the property and that the contract language did not create a legitimate claim of entitlement to payment for a specific number of lots.

Civil Securities
Read summary →
Apr 24 2026
11th Cir. 1:18-cr-00098-SCJ-LTW-1 Per Curiam

United States v. Bickers

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed Mitzi Bickers's 144-month sentence and restitution order, ruling that any procedural error regarding acquitted conduct was harmless. The court further held that Bickers waived her challenge to the restitution amount under the law-of-the-case doctrine.

Criminal Fraud
Read summary →