Every decision we've summarized — searchable, filterable, neutral.
The Sixth Circuit affirmed a 330-month sentence for Derek Hahn, who used a minor to produce sexually explicit videos. The court held that the district court properly weighed the severity of the crime and statutory factors under 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) in imposing a below-Guidelines sentence.
The Third Circuit affirmed Quaheem Bethea's 70-month sentence for felon-in-possession of a firearm, rejecting claims that the District Court failed to adequately consider his youth and impulse control. The court held that the sentencing judge's detailed discussion of Bethea's persistent criminal history satisfied the requirement to consider all relevant factors under 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a).
The Sixth Circuit denied a petition for review seeking asylum and withholding of removal for Guatemalan nationals who claimed gang persecution. The court affirmed the Board of Immigration Appeals' finding that the petitioners failed to prove their indigenous identity was a central reason for the threats they faced.
The Ninth Circuit affirmed summary judgment for GEICO, holding that Idaho law treats the interpretation of an unambiguous insurance policy as a question of law. The court found no genuine issue of material fact because the insured was never legally obligated to pay damages, and the insurer had fulfilled its duty to communicate settlement offers.
The Sixth Circuit affirmed LaVaughn Odom's 192-month sentence for drug trafficking and firearm offenses, ruling that the district court did not commit procedural or substantive error. The court held that the sentence was reasonable despite being below the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines range.
The Ninth Circuit affirmed Aaron Thomas Mitchell's convictions for kidnapping a minor and deprivation of bodily rights under color of law. The court held that the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying motions for mistrial or continuance, finding no prosecutorial misconduct or trial error prejudiced the defendant.
The Sixth Circuit affirmed Emory Day's conviction for distributing and possessing child pornography, ruling that the search warrant was supported by probable cause. The court further held that the evidence was sufficient to link the devices containing the illegal images to Day and that the sentencing enhancement was properly applied.
The Ninth Circuit affirmed the district court's order compelling arbitration and dismissing the lawsuit, holding that a valid arbitration agreement existed under Arizona law and the Federal Arbitration Act. The court clarified that while the dismissal was correct, it should have been based on the merits rather than a lack of subject-matter jurisdiction.
The Tenth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of Bani Moreno's habeas petition challenging his 2022 removal, holding that he was not 'in custody' within the meaning of 28 U.S.C. § 2241 because he remained outside the United States. The court concluded that a non-citizen residing abroad lacks the requisite custody status to invoke federal habeas jurisdiction for immigration removal proceedings.
