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

Mar 2 2026
3rd Cir. 25-1662 Panel Decision

SELASSIE ATOKLO v. ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

The Third Circuit denied a petition for review seeking withholding of removal and Convention Against Torture protection for a Ghanaian national convicted of federal fraud and money laundering crimes. The court upheld the Board of Immigration Appeals' finding that the petitioner failed to provide substantial evidence that he faced a clear probability of future persecution or torture upon return to Ghana.

Civil Immigration (Civil)
Read summary →
Feb 27 2026
3rd Cir. 23-3258 Panel Decision

Nos. 23-3258 & 26-1120 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. ERIC HAFNER: Nos. 23-3258 & 26-1120 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. ERIC HAFNER

The Third Circuit affirmed the denial of Eric Hafner's motion to withdraw his guilty plea, ruling that he failed to prove ineffective assistance of counsel or a fair and just reason for withdrawal. The court also upheld a 240-month sentence, finding no error in the application of sentencing enhancements for threatening conduct and obstruction of justice.

Criminal Sentencing Guidelines Violent Crimes
Read summary →
Feb 27 2026
3rd Cir. 26-1120 Panel Decision

United States v. Hafner

The Third Circuit affirmed the denial of Eric Hafner's motion to withdraw his guilty plea, finding he failed to prove ineffective assistance of counsel or a fair and just reason for withdrawal. The court also upheld a 240-month sentence that exceeded the advisory Guidelines range, ruling that the District Court properly applied enhancements for threatening conduct and obstruction.

Criminal Sentencing Guidelines Violent Crimes
Read summary →
Feb 27 2026
11th Cir. 2:19-cr-00004-TPB-NPM-2 Published

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. SYLVANIS BRICE

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed convictions for Hobbs Act robbery, holding that federal courts have jurisdiction over generally applicable federal crimes committed by Indians against Indians in Indian country. The court also ruled that while the district court erred by failing to perform an on-the-record balancing test before admitting prior conviction evidence, the error was harmless given the strength of the remaining evidence.

Criminal Robbery & Extortion
Read summary →
Feb 26 2026
3rd Cir. 1:25-cv-00435 Panel Decision

JASON R. TODD v. DERRY TOWNSHIP

The Third Circuit affirmed the dismissal of Jason Todd's pro se complaint alleging constitutional violations and statutory claims arising from an assault incident. The court held that the amended complaint failed to state a plausible claim for relief under federal screening standards.

Criminal Fraud
Read summary →
Feb 26 2026
7th Cir. 23-3060 Panel Decision

Nielsen v. Sexton

The Seventh Circuit affirmed that prison officials violated an inmate's Eighth Amendment rights by using her as bait to catch a sexual predator, but reversed the damages award due to insufficient evidence and procedural errors. The court ordered a new trial on compensatory and punitive damages while leaving the liability finding intact.

Criminal Qualified Immunity Sex Offenses
Read summary →
Feb 26 2026
7th Cir. 24-1696 Panel Decision

Nielsen v. Sexton

The Seventh Circuit affirmed that prison officials acted with deliberate indifference by using an inmate as bait to catch a staff member who was sexually assaulting her, rejecting their qualified immunity defense. However, the court reversed the damages award, ordering a new trial because the jury lacked sufficient evidence to link the officials to the abuse prior to their specific knowledge and because the exclusion of evidence regarding the inmate's state of mind prejudiced the punitive damages calculation.

Criminal Qualified Immunity Sex Offenses
Read summary →