Topic
Every decision we've filed under Civil.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a pro se complaint alleging violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The court concluded that the district court did not err in dismissing the case following a de novo review.
The Ninth Circuit affirmed a district court's grant of qualified immunity to a police officer accused of excessive force. The court held that a reasonable officer could have believed the suspect possessed a weapon, despite the suspect's hands being behind his back.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit affirmed a district court dismissal of a pro se plaintiff's claims against state judges. The court held that judges are not persons subject to suit under Section nineteen eighty-three in their official capacities and are shielded by absolute judicial immunity for their judicial actions.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit denied a petition for review of a Board of Immigration Appeals order dismissing an asylum claim. The court found substantial evidence that the harm feared by the petitioner was motivated by financial gain rather than a protected ground.
The Ninth Circuit reversed a jury verdict in a trade secret misappropriation case due to an erroneous jury instruction on the burden of proof. The court remanded the case for a new trial because the error was not harmless given conflicting expert testimony on whether the secrets were readily ascertainable.
The Tenth Circuit affirmed summary judgment for Walmart on most employment discrimination claims but reversed on the hostile-work-environment claim. The court held that the evidence supported a jury finding that the plaintiff was subjected to a hostile work environment based on sexual orientation.
The Eighth Circuit reversed a district court ruling that upheld the Army Corps of Engineers' revocation of a shoreline use permit. The court held that a settlement agreement settling all known disputes between the parties unambiguously included the dispute over the permit.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit vacated and remanded a Patent Trial and Appeal Board decision upholding patent claims, finding the Board erred by analyzing prior art references in isolation and failing to provide adequate notice on claim construction.
The United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit affirmed a district court's grant of summary judgment in an employment discrimination case involving a Dartmouth College professor. The court held that the plaintiff failed to provide sufficient evidence that the university's denial of tenure and subsequent research misconduct investigation were motivated by discrimination or retaliation.
The Seventh Circuit reversed a district court dismissal of a breach of contract claim between a generic and brand-name drug manufacturer. The court held that a settlement agreement lacking a specific expiration date remains effective for a reasonable time, which is a factual question not resolvable on a motion to dismiss.