Topic

Civil

Every decision we've filed under Civil.

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Criminal 1244 Summary Judgment 481 Sentencing Guidelines 425 Civil Rights - Section 1983 406 Immigration (Civil) 360 Constitutional 356 Supervised Release 292 Drug Trafficking 280 Firearms 218 Civil Rights - Employment 208 Intellectual Property 165 Qualified Immunity 155
Mar 18 2026
6th Cir. 25-5169 Published

MARK F. BERGENS v. DIVERSE CONCEPTS LLC; ISLAND AMENITIES, LLC; SMOKY MOUNTAIN BLUE MOOSE, LLC

The Sixth Circuit affirmed summary judgment for an employer, ruling that the plaintiff failed to prove his termination was pretextual discrimination under the ADA. The court held that the company's stated reason for firing the employee—searching co-workers' bags without permission—was supported by video evidence and the honest-belief rule.

Civil Civil Rights - ADA / Other Summary Judgment
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Mar 18 2026
9th Cir. 3:23-cv-00707- Published

Daniele Rae Powley v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security

The Ninth Circuit reversed the denial of Social Security disability benefits, holding that the Administrative Law Judge failed to resolve significant inconsistencies between job-number evidence provided by a vocational expert and contrary evidence submitted by the claimant. The court clarified that when a claimant produces probative data using sources frequently relied upon by the agency, the ALJ must explicitly address and resolve the discrepancy rather than relying on general deference to the expert's experience.

Civil Social Security
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Mar 18 2026
4th Cir. 25-1439 Panel Decision

Goldman Sachs Bank USA, d/b/a Marcus by Goldman Sachs v. Rhea Ann Brown; Gregory Kevin Maze

The Fourth Circuit affirmed a lower court ruling denying a motion to compel arbitration of a Bankruptcy Code automatic stay violation claim. The court held that resolving such adversary proceedings in bankruptcy is constitutionally authorized and that forcing arbitration would undermine the uniform administration of bankruptcy cases.

Bankruptcy Civil
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Mar 18 2026
1st Cir. 25-1395 Panel Decision

THOMAS R. NARRIGAN, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. DEBORAH B. GOLDBERG, in her official capacity as Treasurer and Receiver General of the Commonw...

The First Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a class action challenging Massachusetts's Unclaimed Property Act under the Fifth Amendment's Takings Clause. The court held that the plaintiff's claims were either unripe or barred by a lack of standing to seek prospective relief.

Civil Civil Rights - Section 1983 Standing
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Mar 18 2026
8th Cir. 24-2875 Panel Decision

Raven W. Bartz v. City of Minneapolis; Officer Conan Hickey, in his individual and official capacities

The Eighth Circuit affirmed summary judgment for a Minneapolis police officer who used a less-lethal projectile against a protester during the 2020 riots, ruling the force was objectively reasonable under the Fourth Amendment. The court also upheld the dismissal of the officer's qualified immunity defense and the district court's refusal to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over state law claims.

Civil Civil Rights - Section 1983 Qualified Immunity Summary Judgment
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Mar 18 2026
5th Cir. 25-20119 Panel Decision

In the Matter of Instant Brands Acquisition Holdings Inc. Et al. Debtor GuangDong Midea Consumer Electric Manufacturing Company Limited; FoShan ShunDe Midea Electrical Heating A...

The Fifth Circuit affirmed the bankruptcy court's ruling that individual purchase orders under a master supply agreement are divisible contracts, allowing a debtor to retain indemnification rights for completed transactions. This decision clarifies that when parties negotiate distinct terms for each order, those orders remain separate from the overarching master agreement for bankruptcy assignment purposes.

Bankruptcy Civil
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Mar 18 2026
8th Cir. 24-1680 Panel Decision

Midwest Division-RMC, LLC, doing business as Research Medical Center v. National Labor Relations Board

The Eighth Circuit reversed the National Labor Relations Board's order finding that a hospital violated the National Labor Relations Act by withdrawing union recognition immediately after a decertification election vote. The court held that an employer may withdraw recognition at its peril before formal certification, meaning no violation occurs if the election results are ultimately upheld.

Civil Civil Rights - Voting
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Mar 18 2026
5th Cir. 25-40302 Per Curiam

Rahdar v. City of Friendswood

The Fifth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a couple's Section 1983 claims alleging false and retaliatory arrest, ruling that police officers had probable cause for both incidents. The court held that the plaintiffs failed to overcome the qualified immunity defense because the officers' actions did not violate clearly established law.

Civil Civil Rights - Employment Civil Rights - Section 1983 Qualified Immunity
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Mar 18 2026
5th Cir. 25-40644 Per Curiam

Hrncir v. Internal Revenue Service

The Fifth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of Anthony Hrncir's pro se complaint for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. The court held that Hrncir failed to adequately brief his arguments and that his novel legal theories regarding intellectual consciousness do not establish a valid cause of action under the Freedom of Information Act or the Privacy Act.

Civil Social Security Standing
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