Mar 3 2026
3rd Cir. 3:22-cv-00977 Panel Decision

JASON MALAKOSKI v. MERRICK B. GARLAND, Attorney General United States Department of Justice

The Third Circuit affirmed the District Court's grant of summary judgment for the United States on Jason Malakoski's Title VII retaliation claims. The court held that Malakoski failed to demonstrate a prima facie case of retaliation and that the alleged adverse actions were not severe or pervasive enough to constitute a hostile work environment.

Mar 3 2026
3rd Cir. 2:24-cv-00959 Panel Decision

RP Wynstone LP v. Township of New Hanover

The Third Circuit affirmed the dismissal of real estate developers' federal civil rights claims against a Pennsylvania township, ruling that the allegations were barred by the statute of limitations. The court further held that the specific acts alleged did not meet the high legal thresholds required for substantive due process or equal protection violations.

Mar 3 2026
3rd Cir. 24-2816 Panel Decision

JOHN WAYNE v. JOHN E. WETZEL; GEORGE LITTLE; TABB BICKELL; MICHAEL CLARK; LEE ESTOCK; DEREK F. OBERLANDER; JAIME SORBER; TAMMY FERGUSON; SECRETARY PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF COR...

The Third Circuit affirmed summary judgment for prison officials against an inmate's Eighth Amendment claim regarding his placement on the Restricted Release List. The court held that the inmate's documented history of violence and ongoing misconduct provided a legitimate penological justification for his continued restricted housing.

Mar 3 2026
9th Cir. 25-851 Unpublished

Maria Magdalena Perez De Lopez; Jose Noel Lopez Perez v. Pamela Bondi, Attorney General

The Ninth Circuit affirmed the denial of asylum, withholding of removal, and Convention Against Torture relief to two Salvadoran nationals. The court held that substantial evidence supported the agency's findings that the petitioners failed to prove past persecution, a well-founded fear of future persecution, or eligibility under a cognizable particular social group.

Mar 3 2026
3rd Cir. 2:22-cv-02364 Panel Decision

INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE INDUSTRIES, LLC v. INTERNATIONAL PAINTERS AND ALLIED TRADES INDUSTRY PENSION FUND, A

The Third Circuit affirmed a district court ruling that barred a pension fund from collecting withdrawal liability because it failed to notify the employer as soon as practicable. The court held that this timeliness requirement is an independent statutory element of the claim, not a waivable defense subject to mandatory arbitration.

Mar 3 2026
9th Cir. 23-2946 Published

Center for Biological Diversity v. United States Environmental Protection Agency

The Ninth Circuit affirmed summary judgment for the Center for Biological Diversity, holding that the Environmental Protection Agency violated the Endangered Species Act by failing to consult before issuing cadmium water quality recommendations. The court found the plaintiff had standing because the EPA's non-binding recommendations predictably influence state water standards, causing concrete injury to listed species.

Mar 3 2026
3rd Cir. 25-1522 Panel Decision

SAMUEL CARDENAS v. ATTORNEY GENERAL UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

The Third Circuit clarified that battered child relief is available if the abuser becomes a lawful permanent resident after the abuse occurs, rejecting a prior Board of Immigration Appeals interpretation. However, the court affirmed the denial of standard cancellation of removal because the record supports the finding that the petitioner's mother would not suffer exceptional hardship.

Mar 3 2026
7th Cir. 25-1933 Panel Decision

ELIZABETH CHITWOOD v. ASCENSION HEALTH ALLIANCE, doing business as ASCENSION

The Seventh Circuit affirmed summary judgment for Ascension Health Alliance, ruling that an employee cannot claim FMLA interference or retaliation for absences reported after termination. The court held that the plaintiff failed to provide timely notice of her absences as required by company policy and federal regulations.